UP Congress chief calls arrest of party workers a political conspiracy

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai has alleged that the arrest of two local party workers on charges of robbery, theft, and molestation is a political conspiracy aimed at defaming him.

The two Congress workers, Anand Pandey and Amit Pathak, were arrested on Thursday following a complaint by Sachina Khatoon, a boutique owner in Chetganj, Varanasi. Khatoon alleged that after the death of her landlord, Sanjay Singh, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pandey and Pathak began intimidating her, demanding protection money, and pressuring her to vacate her shop.

Despite obtaining a stay order on eviction from the court, Khatoon claimed that the duo broke into her shop, stole her belongings, and harassed her and her daughters.

The Station House Officer (SHO) Dilip Kumar Mishra confirmed that a case of robbery, theft, and molestation had been registered against Pandey and Pathak, both of whom were presented before the court and subsequently sent to jail.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter, while political tensions rise over the allegations of conspiracy.