Ayodhya: A political storm has erupted over the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya, involving a Samajwadi Party (SP) leader accused of the crime. The incident has become a flashpoint for political conflict, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties trading barbs.
The accused, Moeed Khan, a district office bearer for the SP, was arrested along with another individual following the horrific crime. In response to the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered strict action, including the demolition of Khan’s bakery. This decisive move aims to underscore the state government’s commitment to addressing such crimes.
Amid the heightened political drama, SP leaders have demanded that DNA tests be conducted on the accused to ensure justice and clarify the situation. SP President Akhilesh Yadav took to social media platform X to call for a fair investigation, stating, “In cases of misdeeds, justice should be ensured through a DNA test of the accused, not merely by making allegations for political gain.” Yadav emphasized that if the DNA test disproves the allegations, those involved in making false accusations should also be held accountable.
Yadav’s remarks follow Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s strong statements in the Assembly, where he accused the SP of shielding criminals and reaffirmed his commitment to stringent actions against lawbreakers. Adityanath’s comments have fueled the ongoing political clash, with each side vying to leverage the incident for their respective agendas.
In response to Yadav’s call for DNA testing, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati countered with a challenge. On social media, Mayawati questioned the SP’s stance, asking, “How many DNA tests were conducted during the SP government’s tenure?” She commended the UP government for its swift action but criticized the SP for attempting to politicize the issue. Mayawati called for a focus on effective crime control and women’s safety, urging the government to rise above political and communal divisions.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from other political figures. Dr. Sanjay Nishad, leader of the Nishad Party and a UP minister, visited Ayodhya to meet the victim’s family. Nishad praised Chief Minister Adityanath for his prompt action and questioned Yadav’s commitment to justice, highlighting the delay in expelling the accused from the SP. Nishad’s comments reflect ongoing tensions and the use of the incident to attack political rivals.
In a statement, Ayodhya MP Awadhesh Prasad from the SP described the incident as “extremely painful and shameful.” He called for a thorough investigation and stern action against those found guilty, emphasizing the need for justice.
The case has further polarized the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh, with each party using the tragedy to underscore their stance on crime and justice. The dispute highlights the complex interplay between politics and crime, with accusations and counter-accusations dominating the discourse.
As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on the victim and her family, who are caught in the crossfire of political maneuvering. The demand for DNA testing and the responses from various leaders underscore the broader debate over justice and accountability in high-profile cases.
The Ayodhya rape case has become a critical issue in Uttar Pradesh’s political arena, reflecting broader concerns about law enforcement and the protection of vulnerable populations. With political leaders from different parties weighing in, the incident has sparked a significant debate about justice and the role of politics in addressing serious crimes.