Ex-SP MLA, others booked over row during idol immersion procession in U.P.'s Chandauli

Former MLA and others booked for rioting during idol immersion in Chandauli, alleging police suppression of opposition voices.

Former Samajwadi Party MLA Manoj Kumar Singh was booked along with four other identified and around 60 unidentified individuals on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) on charges of rioting, obstructing police work and defying government orders during Saraswati idol immersion on January 26, officials said.

The case was registered at Saiyadraja police station in Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli district, they said.

According to Circle Officer (Sadar) Devendra Kumar, the case pertains to an incident during Saraswati idol immersion procession in Saiyadraja town on Monday (January 26).

A group of youths had arranged a large DJ (disc jockey) sound system for the procession and were playing music at a high volume late into the night. When the procession attempted to take a route other than the one permitted, police stopped it citing law and order concerns and asked for them to reduce the volume of the DJ music.

According to CO Kumar, former Samajwadi Party MLA Manoj Kumar Singh soon arrived the spot and got into an argument with the police.

Despite being informed about the government directions and the designated route for the procession, Mr. Singh allegedly refused to comply and continued arguing with the police personnel.