Mathura: The difficulties of Ritu Goyal, former city president of the Samajwadi Party (SP), have increased after Mathura City Kotwali police registered a case against her, her bodyguards and other associates following a complaint by Manish Azad, a resident of Azad Nagar.
The complainant has accused the former SP leader and her associates of assault, caste-based abuse, extortion and attempted murder, among other offences. The investigation has been assigned to a Circle Officer (CO). The allegations are yet to be verified through the investigation.
What Happened Near the Devi Temple?
According to the complaint, the incident took place on August 19, when Manish Azad was standing with his associate, Devinandan Kashyap, near the Devi Temple at Hanuman Bagichi in Barari.
The complainant alleged that Goyal, who was returning from a meeting, stopped her vehicle and called two bodyguards and another person accompanying her. They allegedly restrained the two men before abusing and assaulting them.
Azad further alleged that casteist slurs were used to humiliate him during the incident.
Complainant Alleges Attempt to Strangle Him
According to Azad’s complaint, Goyal’s associates allegedly acted on her instructions and pulled his scarf around his neck in an attempt to strangle him.
He claimed that people present at the scene intervened after hearing the commotion and rescued him. The complaint further alleges that when a crowd gathered, the accused displayed firearms and threatened to kill the complainants before leaving the spot.
These claims remain allegations, and their veracity will be determined during the police investigation.
Earlier Threats Also Mentioned in Complaint
Azad also alleged that he had been threatened over the phone and verbally abused using caste-based slurs on April 22, 2026. He said a complaint had previously been submitted in connection with that incident.
Expressing concern for his own safety and that of his family, Azad requested police protection.
Police Begin Investigation
The case was registered at Mathura City Kotwali following a complaint submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office and directions from the Senior Superintendent of Police.
Police have assigned the investigation to a Circle Officer to examine the allegations and establish the facts.
As of the time of reporting, no response from Ritu Goyal or her representatives had been reported.
