Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has strongly criticised the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over recent violence in Sambhal, accusing it of “criminalising the police force.” His remarks come amidst growing outrage following the incident, which has drawn sharp reactions from political and social circles, as per a report by the Times of India.
In a statement, Yadav alleged that the police have been turned into tools of oppression under the Yogi Adityanath administration. “The Sambhal violence shows how the police, instead of ensuring law and order, are being used to intimidate and target innocent citizens. This is not governance; it is state-sponsored hooliganism,” he said.
The violence erupted during a protest in Sambhal, which witnesses claim began peacefully but escalated when police allegedly used excessive force. Videos on social media reportedly show officers attacking protesters, leading to injuries and widespread condemnation. The state government has defended the police action, citing it as necessary to address “law and order violations.”
Tejashwi Yadav accused the administration of enabling impunity within the police force. “In a democracy, the police should protect justice, not serve as agents of political vendetta,” he stated, urging accountability for those responsible. His criticism was echoed by leaders of the Samajwadi Party and Congress, who have demanded an independent inquiry into the incident.
Yadav further linked the Sambhal violence to what he described as a pattern in BJP-ruled states, where police are allegedly empowered to act with impunity under the government’s protection. He claimed this trend undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for democracy.
The Uttar Pradesh government has dismissed these allegations, accusing opposition leaders of politicizing the issue. A state official reiterated that police acted within legal bounds and warned against attempts to incite unrest.
Tejashwi Yadav has called for immediate suspension of the officers involved and a transparent investigation, asserting that failure to act would confirm the perception of a compromised justice system.
