UP Cong chief Ajay Rai booked for derogatory remarks against PM Modi

Lucknow: An FIR was registered against UP Congress chief Ajay Rai on Saturday for allegedly making objectionable remarks against PM Narendra Modi and violating public order during a political gathering in Mahoba on May 22.

Along with Rai, Congress functionary Brijraj Ahirwar and 30 unidentified supporters of the party were also booked.

The FIR was lodged at Kotwali Nagar police station in Mahoba by BJP district working committee member Neeraj Rawat.

Rai has maintained that a purported video showing him making the alleged remarks is “AI-generated.”

In his complaint, Rawat said the programme was organised at the residence of Rajkumar Ahirwar in Samad Nagar locality without prior administrative permission. He alleged that Ajay Rai arrived at the venue in a convoy of 15-16 vehicles and with 25-30 supporters. The complaint stated that the vehicles were parked in a disorderly manner on a public road, causing obstruction to traffic and inconvenience to residents.

Rawat alleged that police and govt personnel had to leave their assigned duties and reach the venue to maintain law and order and regulate traffic movement.

He also accused Rai of making “objectionable and abusive” remarks against the PM during the programme.

According to the complaint, a video of the alleged remarks has gone viral on social media, triggering anger among local BJP workers and residents.

The FIR application alleged that the statements made during the programme could incite caste-based discord and disturb communal harmony.

A pen drive containing the purported viral video was also submitted along with the complaint as evidence.

ASP Mahoba Vandana Singh said the FIR has been registered under BNS sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 196(1) (promoting enmity between groups), 352 (breach of peace). She said further legal action would be taken after verification of the allegations and examination of the video evidence submitted by the complainant.

Terming the video fake and AI-generated, Rai said he would lodge a police complaint in the matter once he reaches Lucknow.

CM Yogi Adityanath and UP BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary have condemned Rai’s alleged ‘abusive’ remarks.

Responding to the FIR against him, Rai said the case was being used to divert attention from the alleged sexual assault of a Dalit NEET aspirant girl in Mahoba. Rai also alleged that the administration attempted to stop him from meeting the survivor’s family by deploying heavy police force in the area.