Overview
- Alankar Agnihotri resigned on 26 January citing opposition to the UGC’s Promotion of Equity regulations and the Prayagraj Magh Mela episode involving Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand.
- The Uttar Pradesh government placed him under suspension for indiscipline, attached him to the Shamli district magistrate’s office, and assigned the inquiry to Bareilly divisional commissioner B. S. Chaudhary under an order signed by Special Secretary Annapurna Garg.
- Agnihotri began a dharna outside the collectorate, alleged he was detained at the district magistrate’s residence for about 45 minutes, and the administration issued a categorical denial.
- A video shows Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand calling Agnihotri to express solidarity and suggesting a possible role with his team, which Agnihotri said he would consider.
- The UGC rules, notified on 13 January to curb caste-based harassment via equity committees and helplines, remain in force as political leaders react and Brahmin groups mobilise around the controversy.