Description
A “Run for Unity” marathon on Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary in Naini, Prayagraj, ended in chaos on Saturday. Around 5,000 to 6,000 people took part in the event organised by BJP Yamunapar, with ₹11,000 for the winner and ₹7,000 for the runner-up.
Participants alleged that the race started half an hour before the scheduled 7 am time, without any flag-off. They also claimed that unregistered people joined in and some even finished the run on bikes. Angry participants surrounded organiser and BJP district vice president Dr. Devi Singh Patel, demanded a re-run, broke chairs, and chased him down when he tried to flee. Police took him to Naini police station, where winners were honoured and prize money was given. Back on the stage, certificates were looted, with one participant allegedly taking away around 10.