BJP functionary involved in minor’s gang rape, law & order collapsed in Uttarakhand, alleges Congress

DEHRADUN: Leader of opposition Yashpal Arya on Wednesday said that the law and order situation in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has “completely collapsed” over the alleged gang rape of a minor girl in Champawat district. “In the state, protectors are turning into predators, and the BJP govt has failed on every front. A Class 10 student, who had gone to attend a friend’s mehndi ceremony, was gang-raped by three youths. The girl’s father has levelled serious allegations against a BJP mandal vice-president, a former pradhan and a student. It is being reported that the accused student and the former pradhan are uncle and nephew,” Arya said.He further alleged that the brutality did not end there. “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,” Arya said.Arya said 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 “the 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.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.”