Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp critique against the Uttar Pradesh police and administration following the distressing manhandling of a Unnao rape survivor. The incident, which occurred as the victim attempted to meet him during his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', has sparked national outrage over the treatment of women seeking justice.
Confrontation During the Yatra
On a recent afternoon in Unnao, a scene of chaos unfolded near the Congress party's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'. A woman, a survivor of a horrific rape case from 2021, tried to approach Rahul Gandhi to submit a plea for justice. Instead of being heard, she was aggressively pushed and dragged away by police personnel on the scene.
Rahul Gandhi, witnessing the event, immediately intervened. He was seen instructing the police to stop and allow the woman to speak. In a powerful moment, he accepted her handwritten letter amidst the scuffle. The leader later expressed his profound dismay, stating that the survivor was handled with a force typically reserved for criminals.
A Pattern of Injustice and Intimidation
This incident is not isolated. The survivor's family has alleged a consistent campaign of harassment and intimidation. The woman's father was reportedly arrested under serious charges soon after she filed the rape case in 2021. The family claims this was a tactic to pressure them into withdrawing their complaint.
The core of the controversy lies in the identity of the accused: a local BJP leader. This political connection, the family asserts, has shielded the perpetrator and turned the state machinery against them. Despite the gravity of the crime, the accused remains out on bail, while the victim's family lives in fear.
Rahul Gandhi emphasized this systemic failure. "The victim is being treated like a criminal, while the actual accused, who is associated with the BJP, is roaming free," he stated, highlighting the perceived imbalance in the pursuit of justice.
Political Repercussions and Demand for Accountability
The event has rapidly escalated into a major political issue. The Congress party has condemned the actions of the Uttar Pradesh police, calling it a blatant violation of democratic rights and an example of the state government's apathy towards women's safety.
Rahul Gandhi's public stance serves as a direct challenge to the ruling BJP government in the state and at the centre. He framed the incident within the larger narrative of his yatra, which aims to highlight issues of injustice and inequality. "The 'Nyay Yatra' is about listening to such voices of pain," he remarked, accusing the police of trying to suppress those very voices.
The demand for a fair and expedited investigation is now at the forefront. Civil society groups and opposition parties are calling for immediate action against the police officials involved in the manhandling and for a re-examination of the 2021 rape case to ensure the victim gets justice without political interference.
This episode in Unnao has once again cast a harsh light on the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault in India, particularly when the accused wield political influence. It raises urgent questions about police conduct, political accountability, and the long, arduous road to justice for the most vulnerable.
