After facing an FIR along with eight others, including Bhojpuri singer Gunjan Singh, MLA Anant Singh denied any wrongdoing in the Gopalganj cultural event incident. Singh clarified that he was present at the event but was not linked to anyone displaying weapons. He emphasized that he did not break any laws or engage in inappropriate behavior, questioning why the police did not intervene if any illegal activities occurred.
The controversy stemmed from a Upanayan Sanskar ceremony held on May 2 in Semrao village, Gopalganj, organized by Mukhiya Guddu Rai for his son. Videos circulating on social media depicted individuals showcasing weapons and dancing during the event, with female performers on stage and money being thrown at them. Following the viral spread of these videos, administrative action was taken.
Gopalganj SP Vinay Tiwari initiated an inquiry by Hathua SDPO Anand Mohan Gupta after the incident. Subsequently, an FIR was lodged against the event organizers and others, including Gunjan Singh and Anant Singh, for allegedly openly displaying licensed and illegal weapons, causing public fear, and breaching public order. Charges under the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita were filed for unlawful weapon display, public peace disruption, and obscenity.
The situation has taken a political twist, with Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, criticizing the state government for the incident. She expressed concerns about law enforcement and women’s dignity, questioning the occurrence of such events publicly. Authorities confirmed the authenticity of the viral videos, leading to legal actions being taken, while further investigations are ongoing.
