Bareilly City Magistrate Resigns: Suspension, Protest and House Arrest Drama

The resignation of PCS officer Alankar Agnihotri, who served as the City Magistrate of Bareilly, has become a major flashpoint in the administrative and political circles of Uttar Pradesh. What started as a resignation letter has now escalated into a full-blown confrontation involving suspension, public protests, and allegations of house arrest. The 48-hour timeline of events reveals a deep-seated conflict between the officer and the administration.

The Trigger: UGC Rules and Religious Sentiments

Alankar Agnihotri cited two primary reasons for his sudden resignation. He termed the University Grants Commission (UGC) Rules-2026 as a 'Rowlatt Act' equivalent, claiming they're oppressive. On top of that, he expressed deep anguish over the alleged disrespectful treatment of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in Prayagraj. These reasons formed the core of his decision to quit the prestigious provincial civil service.

Monday Timeline: The Resignation Fallout

The drama began on Monday at 1:30 PM when his resignation letter surfaced on social media. By 3:30 PM, senior officials rushed to his residence to pacify him, but Agnihotri remained firm. After a series of meetings with fellow PCS officers and political representatives, he met the District Magistrate (DM) at 8:00 PM. However, the situation took a dark turn late at night when he accused the administration of holding him hostage. He left his residence in a private vehicle at 11:00 PM, only to return in the early hours of Tuesday.

Tuesday Timeline: Protests and Confinement

On Tuesday morning, Agnihotri took his protest to the streets. He marched to the Collectorate and sat on a dharna right outside the DM's office. The atmosphere grew tense as supporters joined him in shouting slogans. By evening, the administration retaliated by suspending him and withdrawing his official security and vehicle. At 7:48 PM, Agnihotri posted a WhatsApp status claiming he was under 'house arrest' at the ADM compound, alleging that mobile jammers were installed to cut off his communication.

Government Action and Current Situation

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a stern view of the developments, placing Agnihotri under immediate suspension pending a departmental inquiry, while the ADM compound in Bareilly has been turned into a fortress with heavy police and PAC deployment. While the administration maintains that the security is to prevent any law and order situation, Agnihotri has appealed for a Habeas Corpus petition to be filed in the High Court on his behalf.

Who is Alankar Agnihotri?

Originally from Kanpur Dehat, Alankar Agnihotri is a highly qualified officer with B. Tech and LLB degrees. Known for his outspoken nature, his career has now hit a major roadblock following this public fallout. The case has now moved beyond a simple resignation, touching upon issues. Of administrative discipline and individual freedom of expression within the civil services.