Three BJP Leaders in Mau Face Charges for Alleged Threats to Rape Survivor
In a significant development in Mau district, Uttar Pradesh, three local BJP leaders have been booked by the police on charges of criminal intimidation. The case stems from allegations that they threatened a 25-year-old woman to withdraw a rape complaint she had filed against her colleague, Ankit Singh. The incident has sparked controversy, with the BJP's Mau district unit vehemently denying the accusations, while law enforcement authorities have initiated a thorough investigation.
Viral Video Fuels Allegations of Intimidation
A viral video circulating on social media platforms has brought the matter to public attention. In the video, the woman is purportedly heard alleging that BJP leaders visited her residence and offered money to "settle" the rape case. She specifically named Himanshu Rai, Santosh Singh, and Kanhaiya Tiwari in connection with the alleged attempt to pressure her. Santosh Singh serves as the BJP's Mau district vice-president, Himanshu Rai is the party's mandal president, and Kanhaiya Tiwari holds the position of district convener of Shakti Kendra.
Police sources have confirmed that the viral video will be examined in detail as part of the ongoing investigation. Additional Superintendent of Police, Mau, Anoop Kumar, stated, "The investigation into the matter has begun, and action will be taken on the basis of the evidence gathered." This underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations.
BJP's Defense: Participation in a Panchayat
In response to the charges, the BJP's Mau district unit has refuted the woman's claims. Ramashrya Maurya, the district unit president, asserted that the three leaders had visited the area to participate in a panchayat convened to resolve the dispute between the woman and the accused youth, Ankit Singh. He emphasized that their intent was not to intimidate or pressure her into withdrawing the case.
Maurya explained, "It is not a crime to participate in a panchayat, where people usually sit together and try to settle matters amicably. The three leaders have no personal connection with either the victim or the accused." He further clarified that the panchayat was not held at the victim's residence but at another location. Regarding the viral video, Maurya dismissed it, claiming there was "nothing serious or objectionable" in its content.
Background of the Rape Case and Subsequent Complaints
The controversy traces back to January 23, when the woman lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that Ankit Singh, a 24-year-old colleague working with her on a contractual basis in a government department, had sexually assaulted her under the pretext of marriage. According to police reports, both the accused and the woman had been employed in the department for nearly two years since 2023.
Following the complaint, Ankit Singh was arrested on rape charges on January 24 and produced before a court, which subsequently remanded him to judicial custody. However, the situation escalated on January 26 when the victim submitted another complaint. In this, she alleged that three men visited her residence, pressured her to settle the matter and withdraw the case, and threatened to kill her and her family if she refused to comply. Police have confirmed that the three BJP leaders did visit the woman's residence, though the exact nature of their visit remains under scrutiny.
Investigation and Implications
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and justice for survivors of sexual assault in India, particularly in politically sensitive contexts. As the investigation progresses, key aspects to be examined include:
- The authenticity and context of the viral video.
- The details of the panchayat meeting and the roles played by the BJP leaders.
- The veracity of the woman's allegations regarding threats and intimidation.
This incident underscores the need for robust legal mechanisms to protect victims from coercion and ensure that political affiliations do not impede the course of justice. The outcome of the police investigation will be closely watched, as it could have significant repercussions for the individuals involved and the broader political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.
