UP minister lands in controversy for slapping youth

In an embarrassment for the Akhilesh Yadav government,Uttar Pradesh minister Surendra Patel was caught on camera slapping a youth during a programme at his residence in the district.

Patel was caught on camera slapping a youth when attempts were being made to restore order during a blanket distribution programme at his Raja Talab residence Sunday. However,the minister has denied the incident.

Patel claimed the youth seen in the video is his 24-year-old nephew,Rajit Patel,whom he patted while asking him to bring more blankets for distribution among the people who were present there.

Sources said Patel had personally organised the programme for distributing 10,000 blankets which drew huge crowds at his residence.