Bareilly City Magistrate Controversy: ADM Denies Claims of Being Held Hostage

Bareilly: A major controversy has erupted in Bareilly over the resignation of City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, who stepped down in protest against the University Grants Commission (UGC) equality regulations and the Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand issue. Agnihotri’s claims, including that he was held hostage at the District Magistrate’s (DM) residence, have sparked widespread political and media attention.

The state administration has now clarified the situation. Agnihotri, who vacated his official residence late at night, has been suspended by the government. He alleged that he was held at the DM’s residence for 45 minutes, a claim that was later addressed by Bareilly’s Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Desh Deepak Singh, who was present during the incident.

ADM’s Statement:
ADM Desh Deepak Singh clarified that no such hostage situation occurred. “City Magistrate Agnihotri himself came to the DM’s residence for a meeting. At the time, the DM, police chief, three ADMs including me, and other officials were present. He was offered coffee, and the discussion was cordial. There was absolutely no coercion or hostage situation,” Singh said.

He further explained that the purpose of the meeting was to resolve any issues and advise Agnihotri to take a short leave if he was facing personal or mental stress. “We suggested a one-to-four day leave so he could rest, but he refused and insisted on resigning. After a friendly discussion, he was allowed to leave,” Singh added.

Dispute Deepens:
Agnihotri’s resignation was prompted by the implementation of the UGC’s 2026 regulations, aimed at promoting equality and ending caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities. His actions have drawn widespread attention from political leaders and media alike. Socially and politically, the issue has taken a contentious turn, with opposition figures questioning his resignation.

Meanwhile, the Shankaracharya reportedly spoke with the suspended magistrate by phone, further intensifying the public discourse around the controversy.

The UGC regulations, intended to promote equality in higher education institutions, have triggered protests from sections of the upper-caste community, and Agnihotri’s resignation has added fuel to the ongoing debate.