Ayodhya Gangrape Case Sparks Controversy: Yogi’s Bulldozer Action, Akhilesh’s DNA Test Demand, and Mulayam’s Infamous Remark
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/4th August 2024
The recent gangrape incident in Ayodhya has stirred significant controversy and political debate. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairperson criticized Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for his demand for a DNA test of the accused, referencing his late father Mulayam Singh Yadav’s controversial 2014 rape comment. Meanwhile, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government employed its trademark bulldozer tactic, demolishing illegal properties owned by SP leader Moid Khan, an accused in the case.
NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo took to social media to criticize Akhilesh Yadav, saying, “A minor girl has been raped, the allegations are against your party leader and you are dogmatically defending him. This is the same DNA that defends rapists of girls by saying ‘boys make mistakes’.” This statement echoed Mulayam Singh Yadav’s infamous 2014 remark where he suggested that boys committing rape was a “mistake.”
Moid Khan, a prominent SP leader, and his aide, Raju Khan, allegedly abused a 12-year-old girl for over two months. The abuse came to light when the girl sought medical help for abdominal pain and was found to be pregnant. Both accused were arrested and charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).
In response to the incident, the Yogi government took swift action by demolishing Moid Khan’s bakery, which was built illegally on a pond’s land. The demolition was a clear message of zero tolerance towards the accused. District administration and local police officials swiftly executed the demolition. Additionally, another building owned by Khan was spared temporarily but given an ultimatum for vacating.
The demolition followed a meeting between the victim’s family and CM Yogi Adityanath, who assured that justice would be served. The UP government also suspended two police officers for their alleged delay in the investigation, demonstrating a firm stance against any negligence in handling such serious crimes.
Political reactions were intense, with UP minister Sanjay Nishad breaking down after meeting the victim’s family and accusing SP leaders of protecting the accused. Nishad vowed to protest against the SP and called for Khan’s expulsion from the party. Akhilesh Yadav, however, demanded DNA tests of the accused to ensure justice, suggesting that false allegations should not be used for political gains.
Former UP CM and BSP chief Mayawati supported the stringent actions taken by the UP government and criticized Akhilesh Yadav for his stance. She expressed concern over the rising incidents of crimes against women in the state and called for robust measures to curb such incidents.
The Ayodhya gangrape case has not only highlighted the severe issue of crimes against women but also reignited political tensions in Uttar Pradesh. The use of bulldozer action by the Yogi government and the political rhetoric surrounding the case underline the complex interplay of justice, governance, and politics in addressing such heinous crimes. The victim’s family remains hopeful for justice, as the state administration continues its efforts to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
