FIR against SP MP Iqra Hasan over Saharanpur DIG office protest on May 19
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) Member of Parliament Iqra Hasan at Sadar Bazar Police Station in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with a protest staged outside the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) on 19 May. The Kairana MP and her supporters are accused of blocking a public road, creating a disturbance, and obstructing official duties during a demonstration linked to the Monu Kashyap murder case.
What the FIR Alleges
The complaint was filed by the incharge of the Civil Lines Police Outpost and names Iqra Hasan, seven other identified individuals, and 25 unidentified persons under various sections of law. According to police officials, the protesters allegedly blocked the main road outside the DIG office, causing severe traffic disruption and inconvenience to the public. Authorities further alleged that the demonstration violated prohibitory orders and obstructed government functioning.
Police said legal action was initiated after reviewing the incident and gathering evidence, including viral videos and CCTV footage, which are being examined to identify the unidentified accused. Officials indicated that further action could follow as the investigation progresses.
Background: The Monu Kashyap Murder Case
The protest was rooted in the alleged killing of Monu Kashyap, a resident of Dashale village in Shamli district, who was reportedly murdered on 21 April. According to reports, the victim's family had been seeking justice for several weeks and had approached multiple officials without a satisfactory response. It was this grievance that prompted Hasan to visit the DIG office alongside the victim's family and her supporters to press for police action.
Sequence of Events on May 19
After the meeting at the DIG office reportedly failed to yield an immediate outcome, Hasan stepped outside the premises, where a woman police inspector accompanied by a police contingent escorted her to the police station. Hasan later alleged she was detained at the Women's Police Station for approximately ten minutes.
During the course of the protest, five individuals were booked on charges related to disturbing the peace and were sent to jail. Those detained included former State Minister Mangeram Kashyap, along with Anuj, Ajay, Shishpal, and Tejpal. Hasan accused the police of sending the five to jail without initially disclosing details of any FIR against her.
Following their detention, Hasan staged a second sit-in protest outside Sadar Bazar Police Station, demanding their immediate release. The demonstration reportedly continued from around 4 pm until 9:30 pm, during which heated exchanges allegedly took place between the MP and police officials. According to eyewitness accounts, Hasan challenged police personnel, saying: 'Shoot me! Hang me! What more could you possibly do?'
Later that night, City Magistrate Kuldeep Singh arrived at the police station and assured protesters that the detained individuals, including Mangeram Kashyap, would be released by Wednesday morning. Following the assurance, Hasan called off the protest. The five detained under Section 151 were released the following day.
Political Fallout and SP Response
The public circulation of FIR copies has intensified political tensions in the district, with SP workers expressing sharp anger over the case registered against the MP and her supporters. The incident has reignited debate over the treatment of opposition legislators when they raise constituents' grievances with authorities.
After the Saharanpur sit-in, Hasan travelled to Lucknow the same night — accompanied by a victim of ration-related grievances — to meet SP Supremo Akhilesh Yadav. Yadav subsequently provided financial assistance of ₹2 lakh to the affected party. The case is likely to remain a flashpoint as the investigation continues and political pressure mounts from both sides.