Kanpur, June 24 -- A mob allegedly attacked a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in Banda district late on Sunday night after the official seized two sand-laden trucks suspected to have been used in illegal mining.

The incident occurred near the Paigambarpur-Jarar turn under the Girwan police station area. It sparked a political controversy following allegations on social media that BJP MLA from Banda Sadar Prakash Dwivedi slapped the SDM for not letting go of the seized trucks. The legislator has denied the allegation though he admitted he scolded the officer.

District magistrate J Reebha said the administration took quick action on learning of the attack.

"Police have been directed to initiate strict proceedings. No one will be spared,"...