The incident traces back to a night chaupal held in Fatehpur village on 4 November. During the gathering, women raised complaints regarding electricity, water, and road issues to the SDM. As SDM Dhara was leaving, some individuals, including Panchayat Samiti member Dinesh Bhatra, allegedly stopped her car, prompting police intervention to pacify the crowd and escort her safely.
On 5 November, the SDM lodged an FIR against Bhatra at Uchchain police station. Following this, MLA Jagat Singh wrote to the Chief Minister on 6 November, questioning the SDM’s conduct and requesting her removal.
Speaking on the protest, Minister Suresh Rawat said he had consulted Panchayat Samiti members, district officials, and party workers. “I have heard the worker’s side and instructed the district administration that such incidents should not happen again,” Rawat said. “If the SDM has indeed erred, appropriate action will be taken. I have urged workers to act with restraint, and as In-charge Minister, I will ensure necessary steps are followed.”
District Collector Qamar Chaudhary intervened on-site, dispersing the crowd and escorting Minister Rawat to his car.
Responding to allegations, SDM Dhara claimed that during the night chaupal, Bhatra had directed anti-social elements to obstruct her departure. “When the situation escalated, I informed senior officers. As I was leaving, 10–15 associates of Bhatra surrounded and stopped my car,” she stated.
The incident highlights growing tensions between local BJP workers and administrative officials in Bharatpur and is likely to prompt further investigation into the night chaupal dispute and subsequent protest.
