Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ramji Lal Suman placed under house arrest in Agra before Aligarh visit. Police issued a notice citing security concerns.
Aligarh/Agra, May 2, 2025: Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha member Ramji Lal Suman was placed under house arrest in Agra to prevent him from meeting youths who were allegedly beaten for chanting "Jai Bheem" in Aligarh. This occurred as Suman was en route to Aligarh district to meet Dalit youths who had reported an assault a few days prior. Police served Suman a notice at his residence, citing security concerns as the reason for preventing his Aligarh visit, and deployed PAC and police forces outside his home.
Ramji Lal Suman bly criticized this action, stating his intention to visit Aligarh regardless. He told the media, "I will definitely go to Aligarh and stand with the victims despite this repression."
What is the full story?
A few days ago, three Dalit youths – Chhavikant, Rahul, and Pradeep – were assaulted in the Lodha area of Aligarh. They allege that they were targeted and severely beaten for chanting "Jai Bheem," with one youth even stripped before being assaulted. False accusations of harassing a female student were also allegedly leveled against them, but the victims later filed a case against some individuals from the Thakur community for the assault.
In protest against this incident, under the direction of the SP state president, Ramji Lal Suman and other SP leaders planned to visit the victims' home in Nagla Kallar as a delegation. However, police prevented Ramji Lal Suman from leaving his Agra residence, citing security concerns.
The police administration justified this action, stating that Suman's visit to Aligarh could disrupt law and order.
Detention of SP workers and leaders
Furthermore, Agra police also placed several other SP leaders under house arrest. These leaders were also scheduled to meet the victims with Suman. The assault on these youths had already caused considerable political unrest, prompting a heavy police presence.
Suman's protest
Following his house arrest, Ramji Lal Suman staged a sit-in protest outside his home. He stated, "This is merely a show; they are trying to stop me. We will fight for our rights." Suman's supporters and SP workers gathered at his residence and joined the protest.
Suman stated he would continue his protest until he is permitted to travel to Aligarh.
Police and administration activity
Upon receiving information about Ramji Lal Suman's planned Aligarh visit, the administration responded swiftly, increasing security measures. Both Agra and Aligarh police became actively involved. The administration also claimed that Suman's visit could disrupt the social fabric, necessitating its cancellation.
