Bahraich: Serious allegations have surfaced against Alok Prasad, a 2022-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, currently serving as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Mahsi tehsil in Bahraich district. Three home guards deployed on his personal security detail have accused the officer of using caste-based slurs, subjecting them to physical harassment, and issuing threats to their lives. The allegations have triggered administrative attention, with district authorities likely to order an inquiry into the matter.
The complainants, Rajaram Shukla, Ramakant Mishra and Ram Kumar Tiwari, are home guards posted in the Mahsi company of the Home Guards department. All three belong to the Brahmin community and were assigned to the SDM’s security duty at the time of the alleged incident. They have submitted written complaints to senior officials, seeking strict action against the officer.
According to the home guards, the matter has been escalated to multiple authorities, including the district commandant, district magistrate (DM), superintendent of police (SP), and even the chief minister’s office. Despite approaching these authorities, the complainants claim that no immediate action has been taken so far, leading to growing distress among them.
Incident Allegedly Took Place During Official Proceedings
As per the written complaint, the incident occurred during official duty hours on Wednesday when a person with disability was produced before the SDM in his chamber. The home guards alleged that during the interaction, the SDM became angry and allegedly hurled casteist abuses at them.
They further claimed that the officer ordered his gunner and driver to force them to run and perform sit-ups as a form of punishment. The home guards alleged that photographs of this act were taken and sent to the SDM, adding to their humiliation. They also accused the officer of driving them away from the duty spot later and issuing threats of dire consequences, including threats to their lives.
In addition to the specific incident, the home guards have raised concerns about their working conditions. In their complaint, they alleged arbitrary duty allocation and claimed that they are frequently made to perform continuous duty for 24 to 48 hours without adequate rest, which they say has caused both physical exhaustion and mental stress.
Threat of Extreme Step Raises Alarm
The allegations took a more serious turn when one of the complainants, Ramakant Mishra, speaking to news agency PTI, stated that the home guards were under severe mental pressure due to the lack of action on their complaint.
“If we do not get justice and the SDM is not suspended, we will be forced to take an extreme step like suicide,” Mishra said, a statement that has raised alarm within administrative circles and drawn public attention to the case.
Such remarks have underlined the seriousness of the situation, prompting calls for a fair and time-bound inquiry to prevent any escalation.
District Administration Responds
District Home Guards Commandant Taj Rasool confirmed on Thursday that a written complaint has indeed been received from the three home guards. He said the complaint includes allegations of abuse, use of casteist slurs, physical harassment, and other misconduct by the SDM.
Rasool stated that the complaint would be forwarded to the district magistrate, who would take a decision regarding the constitution of an inquiry committee. “The complaint will be forwarded to the district magistrate, and a decision to constitute an inquiry committee will be taken at the DM level,” he said.
Sources within the district administration indicated that preliminary scrutiny of the complaint is underway and that further steps will be taken after examining statements from both sides.
SDM Denies Allegations
Denying all allegations, SDM Alok Prasad termed the accusations “baseless” and claimed that the situation was being misrepresented. According to him, the incident revolved around a person with disability who had come to his chamber.
Prasad said that the individual entered by dragging himself on the floor and nearly fell while attempting to sit on a chair. “The three home guards sat there and watched like mute spectators. I only reprimanded them and told them they lacked sensitivity towards a person with disability. I am not aware of any other allegation,” the SDM said.
He maintained that he neither used caste-based language nor ordered any form of physical punishment, asserting that the allegations were exaggerated and untrue.
Contradictory Claims, Inquiry Expected
With sharply contradictory versions from the complainants and the officer concerned, the matter is now expected to be examined by the district administration. Officials said that if an inquiry committee is constituted, statements of all parties, including witnesses present at the time, will be recorded and relevant evidence examined.
Administrative experts note that allegations involving caste-based abuse and harassment by a serving IAS officer are treated seriously, given the legal and ethical implications, especially under provisions related to caste discrimination.
About IAS Officer Alok Prasad
Alok Prasad was born on January 10, 1994, though some sources mention October 1, 1994, as his date of birth. He hails from Uttar Pradesh, with sources citing Azamgarh or Mathura as his native place. Academically, he holds an M.Sc in Industrial Biotechnology and is also reported to have a B.Tech degree.
An IAS officer of the 2022 Uttar Pradesh cadre, Prasad officially joined the service on August 29, 2022. He is currently serving as Joint Magistrate and SDM in Bahraich district. In June 2025, he had overseen an inquiry into a security lapse involving unauthorized explosives used for oil drilling near a site scheduled for a visit by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a probe that had drawn attention at the state level.
