Kamal Ghorui
BHOPAL: Police in Gwalior have registered an FIR against RTI activist and Vyapam whistleblower Ashish Chaturvedi following a complaint by the constable assigned to his security detail, who alleged that the activist used caste-based abuse and obstructed him from performing official duties.The complaint was filed by constable Arvind Ahirwar, posted with A Company Camp Katni of the 29th Battalion, SAF Datia, who is currently deployed as Chaturvedi’s security guard at Naka Chandravadni on orders from police headquarters.According to the complaint, on March 4, Chaturvedi had gone to a bonsai nursery around noon. When the constable attempted to accompany him inside as part of his security duty, Chaturvedi allegedly stopped him, called him a “police goon”, pushed him and prevented him from entering. Ahirwar informed the police control room, after which teams from Jhansi Road and Kampoo police stations reached the spot and resolved the situation.In his complaint, Ahirwar further alleged that on March 5 around 7.30 pm, Chaturvedi left his residence and began walking towards nearby railway tracks. When the constable followed him for security reasons, the activist allegedly abused him and used caste-based remarks. According to the complaint, Chaturvedi then removed his clothes and stood on the railway tracks as a train was approaching. The constable claimed he pulled him away and restrained him to prevent harm. Police said Chaturvedi was later taken to Jayarogya Hospital (JAH) with the help of a first response vehicle (FRV).Police said a case has been registered against Ashish Chaturvedi for alleged use of caste-based slurs, abusive language and obstructing a public servant from performing his duty. The matter is under investigation,” he said. Police sources said this is the fifth FIR registered against Chaturvedi, including one case in 2018 and three others in 2025.Chaturvedi, however, rejected the allegations and said the case was linked to his activism against what he described as a “sextortion racket” operating in the district. “The latest FIR is malicious. I don’t even know the name of the person whom police claim was my gunman. Then how can provisions under the Atrocities Act apply to me?” he said.He admitted that he had gone towards the railway tracks but said he was under stress due to what he described as continuous surveillance. “Yes, I went towards the tracks as I was under severe pressure and harassment. Police have kept me under 24×7 surveillance. But this will not deter me. I will continue to fight for the truth,” Chaturvedi said.The activist also alleged that the constable deployed for his security had earlier been under stress and should not have been assigned armed duty. “Just two days ago the same policeman allegedly fired at his uncle with a service weapon. Despite that he was deliberately tasked with my security,” Chaturvedi claimed. Police officials have not commented on that allegation.
