Ayodhya, 16th Sept. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has accused a business conglomerate of “grabbing land” belonging to the Manjhi caste, one of the most backward communities in Ayodhya. The party alleged that the conglomerate’s employees engaged in “hooliganism with farmers” in the region, an assertion strongly denied by the business group.
The allegations emerged after SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and his party shared videos of a clash between two groups on social media. The party claimed that the violence was related to land grabbing by the business group, which is linked to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The SP’s social media post also accused the Chief Minister and big industrialists of exploiting land in Ayodhya, particularly after the Ram Mandir verdict, which has heightened property interest in the area.
The Samajwadi Party Media Cell further alleged that the Abhinandan Lodha Group was forcefully taking over land from the Manjhi community and that its goons were involved in beating and coercing farmers. They also accused the local police of supporting the business group and unfairly jailing the farmers.
In response, a spokesperson for Lodha Ventures stated that the company legally purchased the land from a farmer. He claimed that the company’s employees were attacked by a group armed with sticks when they attempted to take possession of the property, resulting in serious injuries. The spokesperson added that an FIR had been lodged and arrests were made by the police.
The Ayodhya Police have stated that legal action is being taken and refuted the Samajwadi Party’s claims. Senior Superintendent of Police Raj Karan Nayyar clarified that the incident, which occurred on September 12, involved a clash between two groups after the land was sold to the business group. He confirmed that one person was injured and admitted to the hospital, and legal proceedings are underway.
The district police chief said that the facts presented by the Samajwadi Party were incorrect and assured that the situation is being handled in accordance with the law.
