Mayawati MLA accused of beating up voters over electricity

Lucknow: When Kamlesh Diwakar visited his constituency of Bilhaur in Central Uttar Pradesh, it was meant to be a regular courtesy call ahead of the elections that are now just weeks away.

But an angry crowd that gathered at his contact program had a simple message for him - "no electricity, no vote." The MLA's security guards allegedly retaliated by beating those who complained.

In this part of Uttar Pradesh, people say they barely have four to five hours of power a day. "We demanded electricity for our village," said Arvind Yadav, one of those who was hurt. The local police confirms the clash. "An MLA visited the village, a scuffle took place between locals and the leader" said Arun Kumar Pandey from the Kanpur police.

The Police is conducting a preliminary probe into these allegations. An FIR is yet to be registered in the case.