Allegations of Police Extortion on Diwali Firecracker Sales in Shahjahanpur

BJP MLA Hari Prakash Verma from Shahjahanpur has accused local police of extorting money from small firework shopkeepers. He claims that the police and Special Operations Group seize firecrackers under the pretense of legality. District Magistrate Dharmendra Pratap Singh has vowed strict measures in response.

In Shahjahanpur district, BJP MLA Hari Prakash Verma has raised serious allegations against local law enforcement, accusing them of extorting money from firework shopkeepers during the Diwali festivity.

Verma has reportedly written to District Magistrate Dharmendra Pratap Singh, claiming that the Special Operations Group and local police are targeting small retailers purchasing firecrackers from wholesalers and subsequently raiding their homes to extort money.

Singh confirmed receiving the letter, affirming that stringent actions have been taken to prevent illegal recoveries, and assured personal oversight of the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)