The Uttar Pradesh Government suspended Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri on January 26, 2026. This came after he resigned from service, openly criticising government policies. The 2019-batch officer sent his resignation by email to the Governor and Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh. The official order said Mr. Agnihotri was found prima facie guilty of indiscipline based on a report by the district magistrate of Bareilly. The government acted under the UP Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999, suspending him immediately and appointing the Bareilly division commissioner to conduct a detailed inquiry. Mr. Agnihotri called the new University Grant Commission (UGC) regulations a "black law". Speaking to reporters, he said these provisions were discriminatory and could stir social unrest in campuses. He also alleged an "anti-Brahmin campaign" was happening in Uttar Pradesh, claiming his community was being selectively targeted. The officer also raised concerns about a recent religious controversy in Prayagraj and questioned the role of administrative authorities there. Resident of Kanpur Nagar, Mr. Agnihotri had served as sub-divisional magistrate in Unnao, Balrampur, and Lucknow. He was known for his forthright views and strict work style in administrative circles.