Gorakhpur Police File Case Against Former MLA Over Threat Allegations
In a significant development in Uttar Pradesh, the Gorakhpur police have officially registered a case against former MLA Vinay Shankar Tiwari, who is the son of the late cabinet minister and political strongman Harishankar Tiwari. The case was filed on Monday at the Barhalganj police station based on a formal complaint alleging that Tiwari issued threats during a telephonic altercation with a local civic representative.
Complaint Details and Allegations
According to police officials, the complaint was submitted by Mahesh Umar, who serves as the representative of the chairman of the Barhalganj nagar panchayat. Umar alleged that a heated argument erupted between him and Vinay Shankar Tiwari over the phone, with the dispute centering on a commemorative plaque located at Soti Chauraha in Barhalganj. The complainant specifically accused Tiwari of making threatening statements during this conversation, prompting the police to take legal action.
Root Cause: The Plaque Controversy
The conflict traces back to a stone plaque that was originally installed in 1995 during the tenure of then MLA Harishankar Tiwari. This plaque was reportedly removed and replaced by the Barhalganj nagar panchayat with a new one. The situation escalated two days ago when the Nagar Panchayat installed another new plaque at the same spot to mark a different civic work. This move sparked immediate protests from supporters of the late minister Harishankar Tiwari, who viewed the replacement as disrespectful to his legacy.
In response to the protests, the civic body took corrective measures by removing the newly installed plaque and relocating it to another designated location. However, this action did not fully resolve the tension, as the issue quickly gained political momentum.
Escalation Through Social Media
The dispute took a more serious turn after an audio clip purportedly capturing the heated phone conversation between Vinay Shankar Tiwari and Mahesh Umar surfaced on various social media platforms. The circulation of this clip amplified the controversy, drawing public attention and adding pressure on authorities to intervene. Police have noted that the audio clip played a role in substantiating the allegations, though they are continuing their investigation to verify all details.
This case highlights the ongoing political sensitivities in the region, particularly involving legacy issues and local governance. The Gorakhpur police are now proceeding with their inquiry, and further developments are expected as they gather more evidence and statements from involved parties.
