Former Samajwadi Party MLA Irfan Solanki and his associates have been booked by the police in Kanpur on charges of assault and intimidation following an alleged clash at a temporary goat market in the Chamanganj area. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, has led to a tense situation in the locality, with traders and residents gathering to protest and demand swift police action.
FIRs Registered Following Confrontation
Police sources confirmed that two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in connection with the incident. The first FIR was filed based on a complaint by Wafa Abbas, who organizes the annual goat market at Halim Ground. Abbas alleged that Irfan Solanki arrived at the market with supporters and security personnel, where he proceeded to verbally abuse him, assault him, and issue threats. Abbas further claimed that money was demanded for the market to operate and that he was physically assaulted when he attempted to address the former MLA, resulting in the disappearance of a bag containing ₹2.70 lakh.
In response to these allegations, the police have registered a case against Irfan Solanki and unidentified individuals under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those pertaining to voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and intentional insult. The police are currently examining CCTV footage from the market area to corroborate the claims, although Solanki has not yet appeared in any recovered footage.
Counter-FIR Filed by Security Personnel
A counter-FIR has also been lodged based on a complaint filed by Azim Ahmad, a security gunner assigned to the current Samajwadi Party MLA from Sisamau, Naseem Solanki, who is Irfan Solanki’s wife. Ahmad alleged that he was assaulted by Wafa Abbas, Fahad, Imran, and several other unidentified men while he was on duty within the market premises. He reported that his uniform was torn and that attempts were made to snatch his carbine, with protesters allegedly attempting to shut the market gates during the altercation.
Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal stated that Azim Ahmad has been suspended for negligence after he allegedly left his assigned security position and entered the crowd. Ahmad was deployed for the MLA’s security, and according to the commissioner, he should have remained with the MLA if he perceived a threat, rather than entering the market area.
Solanki Denies Allegations, Cites Extortion Complaints
Irfan Solanki, who served as the MLA for Sisamau constituency for four terms, has denied all allegations. He stated that he and his wife visited the goat market after receiving numerous complaints regarding alleged extortion from traders and customers. Solanki claimed that his security personnel were attacked and that he is being falsely implicated in the case. He was released from Maharajganj jail in September last year after spending over 34 months in custody in connection with multiple criminal cases, and he is currently out on bail in an arson case.
The incident has heightened political tensions in the region, with traders and local residents demanding thorough investigation and appropriate action. The police have assured a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the facts of the case.
The Chenab Times News Desk