Former Samajwadi Party MLA Manoj Kumar Singh was booked along with four others and about 60 unidentified people on January 28, 2026. The charges include rioting, obstructing police, and defying government orders during Saraswati idol immersion on January 26 in Saiyadraja town, Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh. According to Circle Officer Devendra Kumar, youths had set up a loud DJ for the procession and played music late into the night. When the procession tried to take an unauthorized route, police stopped them and asked to reduce the music volume. Mr. Singh arrived soon after and argued with the police. Despite being told about the official route and directions, he refused to comply and tried to force the procession through the banned path. Police saw this as an attempt to cause unrest and interfere in police work. The CO said Mr. Singh also incited youths to shout slogans against the police. A case under eight serious sections was filed against Mr. Singh, DJ operators Shubham Gupta, Deepak Murti, Ashish, and 60 others. Responding to the case, Mr. Singh told PTI, "The police case was an attempt to suppress the voice of the Opposition." He added, "Cases are being lodged against anyone who spoke against the BJP."