FIR ordered against ex-MLA and contractor for vandalizing 1857 freedom fighter's memorial

The ACJM MP-MLA court has ordered the registration of an FIR against former Jafarabad MLA Dr. Harendra Prasad Singh and contractor Dilip Tiwari for allegedly vandalizing the memorial of 1857 freedom fighter Raja Sangram Singh at UP's Nevadhia Kot. The decision came in response to a petition filed by Rajendra Singh, the son of Raja Sangram Singh and a former district judge, who accused the two of damaging the memorial for personal gain.

According to Rajendra Singh, the Raja Sangram Singh Jan Kalyan Sansthan, a trust established in 1994 to honor his father's legacy, had constructed the memorial pillar (Kirti Stambh) to commemorate Singh’s significant contributions to India's freedom struggle. On January 28, 2022, during a visit to the site, Rajendra discovered that Dr. Harendra Prasad Singh and Dilip Tiwari had allegedly tampered with the pillar. They reportedly removed the original inscription and covered the memorial with granite slabs without obtaining any permission from the trust.

In his complaint, Rajendra Singh emphasized that the actions of the accused not only disrespected his father's memory but also violated the trust’s mission to promote public welfare and remembrance of historical figures. Despite multiple attempts to raise this issue with higher authorities, he claimed that no action was taken, prompting him to seek judicial intervention. Following the rejection of his previous plea, he filed a fresh application, leading the court to deem the matter serious enough to direct the Nevadhia police to file an FIR. The court’s directive mandates that the police submit a copy of the FIR within three days. Additionally, a copy of the order has been sent to the Superintendent of Police.