Former Uttar Pradesh minister and Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party chief Swami Prasad Maurya was slapped in public on Wednesday during a welcome ceremony in Raebareli, triggering a major political storm. The incident occurred at Motel Chowraha, where Maurya was being felicitated by supporters.

As seen in a viral video, a man from the crowd suddenly slapped Maurya during the garlanding ceremony. The attacker was swiftly caught and thrashed by Maurya's supporters before being handed over to police. Another youth accompanying him was also detained.

City Circle Officer Amit Singh confirmed that both youths were detained. “No FIR has been registered yet. We will proceed once a formal complaint is filed,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, Maurya launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP. “These are insects and pests in the name of Karni Sena. They are openly flouting law and order. It shows how emboldened goons and mafias have become under the Yogi government,” he said.

One of the assailants reportedly told police that Maurya’s repeated attacks on Sanatan Dharma provoked the assault. Known for his controversial remarks targeting Hindu religious traditions, Maurya has remained a polarizing figure in UP politics.