Ballia, November 29, 2025: Four police personnel in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district have been booked on charges of assault, extortion, and criminal intimidation following a directive from the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), officials said on Saturday. The case, which has drawn attention for allegations of police misconduct, highlights ongoing concerns over accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations.

Background of the Case

The First Information Report (FIR) was filed on Friday at the Dokati police station, following a complaint lodged by Mantu Yadav, a resident of Dalan Chhapra village. Yadav, who is preparing for competitive exams in Prayagraj, alleged that the police personnel involved had assaulted him and extorted money during a routine night checking drive in February 2024.

The accused officers include former station officer Madan Patel and three constables, Rinku Gupta, Jyotish, and Ashish Maurya. They have been formally booked under charges of physical assault, verbal abuse, intimidation, and extortion, as per the FIR.

Alleged Incident

According to Mantu Yadav’s complaint, he had returned to his village to celebrate the Holi festival in February 2024. On the night of the alleged incident, he was riding a motorcycle with his uncle, Jitendra Kumar Yadav, after attending a family feast, when they were stopped at Nawanagar Dhala during a routine police night checking drive.

The complainant alleged that when he questioned the reason for being taken to the police station, the personnel allegedly physically assaulted him, verbally abused him, and threatened to kill him. In addition to the assault, he claimed that the officers took ₹1,000 from his pocket on the spot and later demanded ₹40,000 for his release. While a friend allegedly paid part of the demanded bribe, Mantu Yadav was falsely charged under Section 151 of the Indian Penal Code.

The situation escalated when Yadav was arrested on April 1, 2024, along with two others, on charges of transporting cannabis on his motorcycle, which he has consistently denied. The alleged abuse and extortion by the police were cited in his petition to the Chief Judicial Magistrate.

Court Intervention

Mantu Yadav filed a petition against the police personnel in the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court on August 23, 2024, seeking justice for the alleged assault and extortion. After reviewing the complaint and associated evidence, CJM Shailesh Kumar Pandey issued a direct order on November 12, 2025, instructing the Dokati station officer to register a case against the accused police personnel and commence a formal investigation.

Following the court’s directive, the local police acted promptly, and a case has now been registered. Bairia Circle Officer Mohammad Fahim Qureshi confirmed that the police are currently investigating the matter and collecting evidence related to the alleged assault and extortion.

Allegations of Misconduct

The complaint and subsequent court order have brought to light serious allegations against the police personnel involved. The accused officers stand charged with:

• Physical assault during routine night checking.
• Verbal abuse and threats of violence.
• Criminal intimidation, threatening to kill the complainant.
• Extortion, demanding ₹40,000 for the complainant’s release.

The FIR underscores concerns regarding misuse of authority by law enforcement officers, particularly during night patrols and checks where civilians are vulnerable.

Official Statements

CJM Shailesh Kumar Pandey emphasized that the registration of the case is in line with judicial oversight to ensure accountability in law enforcement. He highlighted that complaints against police misconduct must be seriously investigated and officers involved in violations of law should face due process and appropriate legal action.

Circle Officer Mohammad Fahim Qureshi assured that the investigation is underway and that police are committed to gathering all relevant evidence, including statements from witnesses, examination of the scene, and any documentary proof. Authorities have also indicated that further action will be taken against any personnel found guilty of violating the law.

Broader Implications

This incident in Ballia is part of a wider conversation about police accountability and public trust in law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh and across India. Allegations of misconduct, including extortion, unlawful arrests, and use of excessive force, continue to surface in various districts, prompting judicial intervention and calls for reforms in policing practices.

Civil rights groups have often emphasized the need for strict monitoring mechanisms, independent investigations, and training programs to prevent misuse of authority and to foster better relations between law enforcement and local communities.

Next Steps

The ongoing investigation will determine the validity of the allegations and decide whether the accused officers face criminal prosecution. The case is expected to be closely monitored by both the judiciary and human rights organizations, given its potential implications for public confidence in policing.

Meanwhile, Mantu Yadav and his supporters have expressed hope that the court-mandated investigation will ensure justice and accountability, serving as a deterrent for future misconduct by police personnel.

Conclusion

The case highlights the importance of judicial oversight in matters involving alleged police misconduct. By directing the registration of the FIR and initiating an investigation, the CJM has reinforced the principle that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law. As the investigation proceeds, the Ballia district administration and police are expected to maintain transparency and adhere strictly to legal and procedural norms.

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