Dehradun: Leader of opposition Yashpal Arya on Wednesday stated that the law and order situation in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has “completely collapsed” following the alleged gang rape of a minor girl in Champawat district. He accused the ruling BJP of failing on all fronts, saying protectors have turned into predators.
Incident Details
A Class 10 student, who had gone to attend a friend's mehndi ceremony, was allegedly gang-raped by three youths. The girl's father has leveled serious allegations against a BJP mandal vice-president, a former pradhan, and a student. Reports suggest that the accused student and the former pradhan are uncle and nephew.
Brutality After Assault
Arya alleged that the brutality did not end with the rape. “After the rape, when the girl attempted to call home, the accused assaulted her, tied her hands and feet, locked her in a room, and fled. At around 1:30 am, a call from the survivor reached her home, following which villagers and family members informed the police. Acting jointly, the police recovered the girl from the locked room,” he said.
Political Reactions
Arya emphasized that the incident was not merely a crime against one girl but raised serious questions about law and order in the state. “When people connected to power themselves are accused of such heinous crimes, whom can the mothers and sisters of the state trust? We demand that strict sections be invoked against all the accused, the matter be heard in a fast-track court, and the guilty be awarded stringent punishment swiftly. An impartial probe should also be conducted into those allegedly providing political protection to the accused,” he added.
Congress state president Ganesh Godiyal alleged that Champawat police were “delaying and ignoring” the case because a BJP office-bearer was involved. “The police should remember that they work for the common people, not for politicians or bureaucrats. Champawat is also the district represented by CM Dhami, so prompt action must be taken,” he said.
BJP Response
When questioned about the allegations against the party functionary, state media-in-charge of BJP Manvir Singh Chauhan said, “The Congress party has a habit of politicising everything, even cases of crimes against women. The police will take strict action against the accused, whoever they may be, in this matter.”
