A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Uttarakhand has been arrested for allegedly molesting a minor girl. The incident has sparked outrage and protests, highlighting concerns about the safety of women in the state.
Devendra Pincha, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Almora, announced the arrest of Bhagwat Singh Bora on Saturday night. Bora, accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl, was apprehended following a complaint filed on August 30th. The alleged incident occurred on August 24th in the Salt revenue area.
The police have registered a case against Bora under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. The victim’s statement has been recorded, and she has been sent for medical examination.
In a swift response, the BJP has taken disciplinary action against Bora. Mahendra Bhatt, the state president of the BJP, has expelled Bora, who served as the block unit chief of the party’s Salt region, with immediate effect. The decision reflects the party’s stance on such incidents and its commitment to upholding law and order.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Congress party, who staged statewide protests condemning the alleged crime and holding the BJP accountable. Karan Mahara, the state Congress president, accused the ruling BJP government of turning a blind eye to atrocities against women and giving its leaders a free pass.
However, the BJP has defended its actions, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy towards crime. The state government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, has assured strict action against the accused, regardless of their political affiliation or social standing.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and security of women and children in India. While the arrest of the accused leader and the disciplinary action taken by the BJP are significant steps, it remains imperative to address the root causes of such incidents and foster a society where all individuals, regardless of gender or age, can live with dignity and freedom from fear.
