'From TV channels and other media sources, we have learnt that policemen remained mute spectators when the BSP supporters resorted to arson and vandalism at the Congress leader's residence,' said Tandon, terming it 'shocking'.

Joshi was Thursday sent to Moradabad jail on 14 days' judicial custody on a charge of insulting Chief Minister Mayawati. She was booked under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the official name of the SC/ST act.

Members of the state's ruling BSP ransacked Joshi's house in the state capital and set it ablaze late Wednesday night.