DM Orders probe after the incident triggers outrage, especially among opposition leaders and members of civil society
SAHARANPUR – Samajwadi Party’s Member of Parliament from Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Ms Iqra Hasan, has levelled serious allegations against Saharanpur’s Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Santosh Bahadur Singh, accusing him of misconduct and ordering her from his office in an offensive manner.
The incident has triggered outrage, especially among opposition leaders and members of civil society, who see it as an insult to a democratically elected representative and a broader reflection of the arrogant behaviour of some bureaucrats in the state.
According to the complaint filed by Ms Hasan, the incident occurred on 1 July when she visited the ADM’s office along with Chhutmalpur Nagar Panchayat President Shama Parveen to discuss public grievances concerning the area. Ms Hasan says she was initially told that the ADM was out for lunch and advised to submit her concerns in writing. When she returned around 3 pm, she alleges the officer treated her with disrespect.
“He shouted at us and said we should leave the office immediately,” Ms Hasan said. “Is this how public servants behave with elected representatives? I was there only to speak on behalf of the people who voted me into office.”
The complaint letter, which has been sent to the Divisional Commissioner and the Principal Secretary (Appointments), details the encounter. According to Ms Hasan, ADM Santosh Bahadur Singh not only spoke rudely to her but also scolded and insulted Shama Parveen in front of others. The ADM allegedly told both of them to leave, claiming that the office belonged to him and he could act as he pleased.
“He was not just disrespectful; he was aggressive and arrogant. He refused to even listen to us,” said Shama Parveen. “This is not the way an official should treat women who come with legitimate concerns.”
Following the complaint, the Divisional Commissioner has instructed the District Magistrate of Saharanpur to inquire into the incident and submit a report. The controversy has drawn sharp reactions from several corners, particularly from within the Samajwadi Party and the Muslim community, who believe this reflects a broader pattern of discrimination and mistreatment.
“We are seeing this again and again in BJP-ruled states — when Muslims speak up, they are silenced or insulted,” said Javed Khan, a local Samajwadi Party worker in Saharanpur. “Would the ADM have behaved the same way if a BJP MP had entered his office?”
MP Iqra Hasan, one of the youngest Muslim MPs in India, is known for her soft-spoken yet assertive nature. She has often raised issues of marginalised communities in Parliament and is regarded as a rising political figure who is close to the ground. Her supporters say the incident is not just about her, but about the larger disrespect shown to those who represent minorities and the poor.
“I have no personal grudge against the ADM. But I will not tolerate this insult to my office or the people I represent,” Ms Hasan said. “This is a democracy, not a dictatorship. Officers must remember that they are accountable to the people.”
However, ADM Santosh Bahadur Singh has denied all the allegations. “The accusations are false. I have never misbehaved with the honourable MP,” he told the media. “This seems to be politically motivated.”
This denial, however, has done little to calm tensions. Local leaders and citizens are demanding that the inquiry be conducted impartially and that action be taken if the officer is found guilty.
“The government cannot stay silent on this. An elected woman MP being kicked out of a government office — this is a shame on the system,” said Dr Afshan Rizvi, a professor at a local college. “And let’s be honest, would this have happened if the MP were from the upper caste or the ruling party?”
Many in the area see this as part of a wider issue. There is growing frustration among Muslims in Uttar Pradesh over what they perceive as second-class treatment in public offices and rising instances of bureaucratic arrogance, especially when it comes to Muslims and their representatives.
“This incident is not isolated,” said Mohd Irfan, a social worker in Chhutmalpur. “Go to any tehsil or collectorate. The way officials speak to Muslims is often rude. They don’t even try to hide their bias.”
The issue has taken on political dimensions as well. Several leaders from the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, and even the Congress have come out in support of Ms Hasan, demanding that the government uphold the dignity of elected representatives and not allow bureaucrats to act like they are above the law.
“This is not the rule of law; it is rule by officials with inflated egos,” said SP leader Atul Pradhan. “We demand that the ADM be immediately suspended pending investigation.”
Iqra Hasan has remained firm on her stand. In her letter to the authorities, she has urged a fair and transparent inquiry. She has also stated that the issue should not be buried or settled quietly.
“If there is no action, this will only encourage more such behaviour. I am raising my voice not for myself, but for every woman, every public representative, and every citizen who wants to be treated with respect,” she said.
Political observers say that how the administration handles this case will have significant implications. “This is a test for the Yogi (Adityanath) government,” said political analyst Ramesh Srivastava. “If they are serious about governance, they must protect public representatives, especially women and minorities.”
As the District Magistrate begins his probe, all eyes are now on the administration. Will justice be served, or will the matter be brushed under the carpet?
For now, MP Iqra Hasan continues her work in Kairana. “I will not stop speaking for my people, no matter how many doors are slammed in my face,” she said.
