Congress Plans Protest at PM’s Varanasi Office Over IIT-BHU Student Gang Rape

Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Ajay Rai announced plans for a protest at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Varanasi office on Tuesday, alleging BJP’s local leaders’ involvement in the gang rape of a BHU student inside the IIT-BHU campus two months prior. Three individuals, purportedly linked to the BJP, were arrested by the police on Sunday, fueling opposition accusations.

Rai emphasized the protest’s objective, stating, “Women and children are being subjected to horrific crimes in Varanasi, the Prime Minister’s constituency. Our Banaras district and city unit will surround the PM’s office to highlight how such incidents occur under their patronage.”

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He further claimed that three accused BJP officials allegedly involved in the crime were dispatched to the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections to evade arrest. Rai criticized the delay in their arrest, suggesting that prompt action could have sent a clear message regarding their alleged involvement.

Accusing the BJP of sheltering individuals involved in criminal activities, Rai referenced past cases involving BJP figures and condemned the party’s approach to handling such issues.

The incident occurred on November 1, prompting protests by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) students demanding enhanced campus security. The victim reported being forcibly taken from near Karman Baba temple by three men on a motorcycle, assaulted, stripped, and subjected to recording and photography before being released.

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Initially registered under IPC Section 354 and IT Act provisions, the FIR was later amended to include gang rape charges. Three arrests were made: Kunal Pandey, Anand alias Abhishek Chauhan, and Saksham Patel.

Opposition parties, including Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led government, linking the accused to the BJP and accusing senior leaders of providing patronage to such elements.

Amidst this, ABVP’s state media coordinator, Abhinav Mishra, urged swift police action, demanding a charge sheet in the case and calling for accountability from those who shielded the accused. Additionally, the ABVP urged the BHU administration to prioritize campus safety for all.