Yogi's 'Secular' Bulldozer: Clashes In Agra As Police and Radha Soami Satsang Followers Face Off Over Demolition Drive

A clash occurred in Agra's Dayal Bagh area between the police and Radha Soami sect followers on Sunday, 24 September.

The clash stemmed from the local administration's sought to demolish alleged "illegal constructions" of the Radha Soamis on public road and government land.

The administration had already removed six gates and walls along the road in question on Saturday. However, when the police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) left for the day, sect volunteers allegedly returned and erected new gates.

On Sunday, when administration officials returned for further demolition, a clash erupted between the sect volunteers and the police, resulting in injuries to several policemen, prompting a police response.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has the criticised BJP on this matter by posting on social media site X (Twitter): "The followers of Radhasoami sect are exemplary all over the world for their spirituality, love, compassion and satsang. Dayalbagh has always been a symbol of faith, harmony, service and education. Now on the land of Dayalbagh, the ruling party and the police-administration together are engaged in serving the selfish interests of BJP land mafia"

Yadav added: "Samajwadi Party stands with Radhasoami Satsang in protest against this injustice and is supporting in every way the campaign to save Dayalbagh."

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Suraj Kumar Rai reported that the Revenue Department had sought police assistance to remove the alleged illegal constructions on Chak Road. During the operation, some individuals threw stones and obstructed the work of Revenue Department officials.

When asked about the number of injured policemen, Deputy Commissioner Rai mentioned that some sustained injuries, but thankfully, none were severe. The incident gained attention on social when videos surfaced showing sect volunteers using spiked clubs to attack the policemen.