Jhansi: Hundreds of youths and residents from Jalaun town and nearby villages took out a protest march on Sunday demanding the reinstatement of former sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Rinku Singh Rahi, who was recently transferred to Orai following a political controversy.Rahi was recently transferred from the post of SDM, Jalaun, to SDM (Judicial), Orai, after he had a verbal spat with a BJP block head.The protesters, who assembled at the town’s Mela Ground in the morning, marched to the tehsil headquarters carrying placards and raising slogans against the administrative decision. They claimed that Rahi had earned widespread public support through his pro-people approach and demanded that the govt reconsider the transfer order.Given the large turnout and the sensitivity of the issue, the district administration deployed heavy security. Tension briefly escalated when a section of the protesters insisted on submitting their memorandum only to the district magistrate. After prolonged discussions with officials, they agreed to hand over the memorandum to the current SDM, Rakesh Soni.“We feel cheated after the transfer of an officer who always prioritised the interests of the poor and common people. Our demand is simple: the govt should respect public sentiment and post Rinku Singh Rahi back in Jalaun. Our peaceful agitation will continue until the demand is met,” one of the protesters said.Receiving the memorandum, SDM Rakesh Soni said the representation seeking Rahi’s reinstatement would be forwarded to the competent authorities and the state government through appropriate channels.Rahi did not speak to the media on the issue.However, in a five-page emotional appeal posted on his Facebook page, he urged his supporters not to violate the law.Referring to inputs reportedly received from intelligence agencies about a planned demonstration at the district magistrate’s office, he expressed concern that young supporters might act impulsively or under someone’s influence.“My biggest concern is that young people should not, in a moment of emotion or provocation, take any step that disrupts law and order,” Rahi wrote, urging supporters to remain peaceful and exercise restraint.
