Thu Jun 26 19:19:22 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the events in Dadarpur village, Etawah district, as reported by The Hindu:
**Religious Tensions Flare in Etawah as Protests Erupt Over Arrests of Storytellers**
**LUCKNOW, June 27, 2025** – Violence erupted in Dadarpur village, Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh, yesterday as members of Yadav caste-centric social organizations protested the arrest of two religious storytellers (kathavachaks). The protesters, demanding action against those accused of assaulting Mani Yadav and Sant Kumar Yadav, clashed with police, pelting stones and attempting to storm the Bakewar police station. Police responded by firing gunshots into the air to disperse the crowd.
The unrest stems from an incident on June 22nd where the kathavachaks were allegedly held captive, tortured, had their heads shaved, and were “purified” with urine by a group of individuals. Four arrests were made on Wednesday in connection to that incident, based on a purported video.
However, police also registered a counter FIR against the kathavachaks themselves, accusing them of misleading people during religious programs and using forged identification to conceal their caste and identity. The kathavachaks are being charged under Sections 299 and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to inciting religious feelings and cheating.
The situation has become politically charged, with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accusing the ruling BJP government of bias and responsibility for the attack. Mr. Yadav warned of widespread protests if a fair investigation and action are not taken. The incident has heightened tensions in the region and sparked concerns over caste and religious dynamics within Uttar Pradesh.
First Piper 