Minister warns critics of police action for defamation:Says, ‘Cops will pick you up beat you’; Damoh YouTuber had accused Dharmendra Lodhi of liquor mafia links

Madhya Pradesh’s Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, has issued a stern warning to those who, he says, are trying to damage his image and that of other public representatives. The warning came after the arrest of a YouTuber who had accused the minister and another leader of being linked to the liquor mafia. Minister’s warning during Facebook live On Sunday morning, Minister Dharmendra Lodhi went live on Facebook. He said that anyone trying to tarnish a public figure’s image without facts would face police action. “Such people will be picked up and beaten by the police,” Lodhi said, adding that strict action would be taken against those spreading false allegations. YouTuber’s allegations and arrest The controversy began two days earlier in Sangrampur village, under the Jabera Assembly constituency. A YouTuber named Raghavendra Patel had accused Minister Lodhi and Animal Husbandry Minister Lakhan Patel of being involved with the liquor mafia during a meeting on liquor prohibition. Following these claims, on the minister’s directions, Jabera Police registered a case against Raghavendra Patel under sections 326-3, 356-3, and 3-5 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He was arrested on Friday night. YouTuber alleges police assault After his arrest, Raghavendra Patel alleged that he had been assaulted by the police. However, a medical examination reportedly found no signs of injury. Later, Patel held a press conference, repeating his accusations and claiming that the minister had misused his influence to target him. Minister defends himself, issues strong words In response, Minister Lodhi went live on social media to defend himself. Instead of addressing the specific allegations, he warned those who attempt to defame elected representatives. He said that such behaviour would not be tolerated and that the police would act firmly. Attack on de-addiction group The minister also spoke about liquor prohibition and de-addiction campaigns during his live session. He said he supports efforts to make society addiction-free and would join any event promoting this cause. However, Lodhi criticised the Bhagwati Manav Kalyan Organisation, which had organised the liquor ban meeting. He accused the group of doing “politics in the name of de-addiction” and said they avoided inviting him because his presence would “end their politics shop.” He added that he would now launch a de-addiction campaign in the area with BJP workers, separate from the organisation. Police investigation continues The police have said that the investigation is ongoing and teams have been formed to ensure that the case is handled as per legal procedure. Meanwhile, the minister’s remarks have sparked debate on political influence and free speech in the state.