Bahraich, UP: Three home guards deployed on security duty of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Mahsi tehsil of Bahraich district have levelled serious allegations against the officer, accusing him of using caste-based slurs, subjecting them to physical harassment, and issuing threats to their lives.
The accused officer, Mahsi SDM Alok Prasad, has denied all allegations, terming them “baseless” and asserting that he only reprimanded the personnel for their alleged insensitivity towards a person with disability.
Home Guards Submit Written Complaints to Senior Authorities
The three home guards — Rajaram Shukla, Ramakant Mishra and Ram Kumar Tiwari — all belonging to the Brahmin community, are posted in the Mahsi company of the Home Guards department and are currently deployed on the personal security detail of the Mahsi SDM.
They have submitted written complaints to their senior officials seeking strict action against the SDM. According to the complainants, the matter has been escalated to multiple authorities, including the district commandant, chief minister, district magistrate, and the superintendent of police.
Incident Allegedly Occurred During Duty Hours
According to the complaint, the alleged incident took place on Wednesday when a person with disability was produced before the SDM during official duty hours. The home guards claimed that the SDM became angry during the interaction and allegedly abused them using casteist slurs.
They further alleged that the SDM ordered his gunner and driver to force them to run and perform sit-ups, directed that photographs be taken, and instructed that the images be sent to him.
Allegations of Physical Harassment and Life Threats
The home guards have also alleged that following the incident, they were driven away from the duty spot and were threatened with dire consequences, including threats to their lives.
In their complaint, they also accused the administration of arbitrary duty allocation, claiming that they are frequently assigned continuous duty for 24 to 48 hours without adequate rest.
Threat of Extreme Step if Justice Is Denied
Speaking to PTI, home guard Ramakant Mishra said that despite approaching multiple authorities, no action has yet been taken.
“If we do not get justice and the SDM is not suspended, we will be forced to take an extreme step like suicide,” he said, highlighting the mental stress faced by the personnel.
District Commandant Confirms Receipt of Complaint
District Home Guards Commandant Taj Rasool confirmed on Thursday that the three home guards posted in Mahsi have submitted a complaint alleging abuse, use of casteist slurs, and other misconduct by the SDM.
He said the complaint would be forwarded to the district magistrate, who will decide on the constitution of an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations.
“The complaint will be forwarded to the district magistrate, and a decision to constitute an inquiry committee will be taken at the DM level,” Rasool said.
SDM Denies Allegations, Cites Insensitivity Towards Disabled Person
Denying all allegations, SDM Alok Prasad said that the accusations were unfounded and claimed the situation was being misrepresented.
According to Prasad, a person with disability had entered his chamber by dragging himself on the floor and nearly fell while trying to sit on a chair.
“The three home guards sat there and watched like mute spectators. I only reprimanded them and said they lacked sensitivity. I am not aware of any other allegation,” the SDM said.
Inquiry Likely as Matter Escalates
With contradictory claims from both sides, the matter is now expected to be examined at the district administration level. The constitution of an inquiry committee will determine whether disciplinary action is warranted against the SDM or if the allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.
About Alok Prasad
Personal and Educational Background
- Name: Alok Prasad
- Date of Birth: January 10, 1994 (some sources mention October 1, 1994)
- Hometown/Native Place: Azamgarh / Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- Education: M.Sc in Industrial Biotechnology; also noted B.Tech degree
Career Profile and Notable Work
Mr Prasad, an IAS officer of the 2022 Uttar Pradesh cadre, officially joined the service on August 29, 2022, and is currently serving as Joint Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Bahraich, UP. His salary scale is ₹15,600–39,100 with a Grade Pay of ₹5,400 (Matrix Level 10). In June 2025, he oversaw an inquiry into a serious security lapse involving unauthorized explosives used for oil drilling near a site scheduled for a visit by CM Yogi Adityanath. He confirmed that while the firm was government-authorized, it had failed to follow standard operating procedures and notify local authorities.
