Bareilly: Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri’s resignation from service has triggered a major political and administrative controversy in Uttar Pradesh, with the state government suspending him soon after and ordering a departmental inquiry into his conduct. Agnihotri had accused the Uttar Pradesh government of running what he termed an “anti-Brahmin campaign,” alleging systematic targeting and persecution of members of the Brahmin community.
In his resignation statement, Agnihotri made a series of serious allegations, claiming that incidents across the state reflected discrimination and atrocities against Brahmins. Referring to recent events, including those connected to the Magh Mela, he alleged that on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, disciples and elderly monks associated with Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati were subjected to physical assault by the administration. He questioned whether such actions were sending a message of fear and violence to society, repeatedly warning of what he described as the possibility of “genocide” if the situation continued unchecked.
Agnihotri also raised objections to a Central Government gazette notification dated January 13, 2026, which he claimed was detrimental to general category students. He alleged that provisions related to the Samata Committee could be misused to file false complaints against general category students in universities. In a sharp attack on elected representatives, he accused MPs and MLAs from the Brahmin community of remaining silent spectators. He went so far as to appeal to them to resign immediately and stand with the community, warning of grave consequences if they failed to act.
Following his resignation, political reactions were swift. BJP MP and former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma strongly rejected Agnihotri’s allegations. Speaking to a news agency, Sharma said he neither knew Agnihotri personally nor was familiar with his background, adding that there are many individuals who “smell politics” in administrative matters and then look for excuses to create controversy. He dismissed the claims as politically motivated and aimed at provoking social tensions.
As the matter escalated, the Uttar Pradesh government took disciplinary action against Agnihotri. He was suspended with immediate effect after being found prima facie guilty of misconduct. The state government ordered a departmental inquiry, appointing the Bareilly Division Commissioner as the investigating officer. During the suspension period, Agnihotri has been attached to the office of the District Magistrate in Shamli and will be entitled only to a subsistence allowance, as per service rules.
