In a shocking incident, Uttar Pradesh Minister Manoharlal Pant (Mannu Kori) and his convoy were attacked by a group of miscreants near Jaurasi Ghati in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The attack occurred on Friday evening when the convoy was passing through a traffic-jammed highway. The incident left the minister injured, his PSO (Personal Security Officer) with severe wounds, and a government pistol briefly snatched by the attackers.

Sequence of Events

The incident unfolded when Minister Pant’s convoy was en route from Agra to Lalitpur. A truck accident near Jaurasi village on the Agra-Jhansi highway had caused a massive traffic jam. As the minister’s driver attempted to navigate through the jam, the convoy encountered a biker, Bunty Yadav, who engaged in an argument after the driver honked the horn.

Escalation of Violence

• After a heated exchange, one of the minister’s staff members slapped Yadav, who then called for reinforcements.
• Around 8-10 individuals armed with sticks surrounded the convoy near a roadside eatery.
• They attacked the convoy, injuring the PSO, Survesh Choudhary, and snatching his government-issued 9mm pistol.
• The attackers also tore the PSO’s uniform and physically assaulted the minister’s driver and another staff member.

Minister Sustains Injuries

Minister Manoharlal Pant, attempting to intervene, suffered minor injuries in the scuffle. Distressed by the incident, he later visited the Bilaua police station to file an official complaint.

Police Response and Arrests

The police, led by IG Arvind Kumar Saxena, swung into action immediately after the incident.

• One of the attackers was apprehended on the spot, and the stolen pistol was recovered.
• By Saturday morning, 12 individuals involved in the attack were arrested, and a search operation for the remaining culprits is underway.

Root Cause: Traffic Jam

The minister’s convoy had been delayed by a truck accident that had blocked the road for over 24 hours. The prolonged jam and lack of timely traffic management created a chaotic environment, leading to the incident.

Official Statements

IG Arvind Saxena: “The attack on the UP minister’s convoy is a serious matter. The accused have been arrested, and further investigations are ongoing.”

Minister Manoharlal Pant: “This incident highlights the lapses in traffic management. If the jam had been cleared earlier, such a situation could have been avoided. Strict action must be taken against the culprits.”

Legal Action

The accused have been charged under:

• Assault on a Public Servant
• Obstruction of Government Duty
• The Madhya Pradesh Dacoity Act

The case remains under investigation, and authorities are committed to ensuring justice.

Conclusion

This alarming attack underscores the importance of swift traffic management and robust security measures for public officials. The police’s quick action has brought the situation under control, but the incident serves as a wake-up call for addressing systemic issues in traffic and law enforcement coordination.