Ghastly gang rape in Ayodhya stokes intense political row ahead of key bypolls

A bulldozer being used to demolish the bakery of Moid Khan who is accused of allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl, in Ayodhya (PTI)

The recent gang rape incident in Ayodhya has escalated into a heated political clash between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP). The BJP has been targeting the SP over the incident, while SP President Akhilesh Yadav has emphasized on the necessity for justice for the victim.

The accused, Moid Khan, SP’s city president of Bhadrasa, is allegedly close to SP MP from Faizabad, Awadhesh Prasad. There are allegations that SP leaders attempted to bribe the victim’s family to suppress the matter. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath described SP members as "threats to women’s safety" during the recent assembly session. “There may be sadhbhavna (goodwill) for the accused, but the UP Government will take out a bullet Yatra,” he stated.

In response, Akhilesh Yadav demanded a DNA test for the accused, which drew widespread criticism. SP leaders argue that the accused are being targeted with "bulldozer action" due to their Muslim identity and SP affiliation. “If they are guilty, they should be punished but not in the manner the Yogi government is acting against them,” SP leader Pawan Pandey told this reporter.

Yadav reiterated his stance in a social media post, calling for DNA tests to ascertain the truth. “In cases of misdeeds, justice should be sought through DNA tests and not mere allegations and politics. The guilty should be punished according to the law, but if the DNA test proves the allegations false, then government officials involved should not be spared. This is the demand of justice,” he posted.

NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo criticized Yadav for his demand for a DNA test, calling it a defence of the accused. “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’,” read the post of (NCPCR) chairperson Priyank Kanoongo on X.

Politics over the issue

Experts believe that with politics overshadowing the criminal investigation, a media trial has begun. Journalist BP Singh said that both BJP and SP are seeking political mileage from the situation. “Former SP MLA Pawan Pandey claims the accused are persecuted because they are Muslims and belong to the SP,” he said.

The BJP has engaged in extensive optics to maintain media presence. Last week, the victim’s mother met chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow and received financial aid. Nonetheless, a BJP delegation, led by Baburam Nishad, also visited the family in Ayodhya.

Nishad stated, "We have spoken to the victim's mother and will submit a comprehensive report to our national leadership. Our Uttar Pradesh government will not spare those responsible for this heinous crime. Akhilesh Yadav talks about DNA testing and PDA, but he cannot see or hear the pain of this daughter. The government will take such a strong step against the perpetrators that it will be remembered for generations. I urge Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to increase the financial compensation from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh."

Prominent leaders from both parties have taken to social media, exchanging accusations. SP's Swami Prasad Maurya urged the BJP government to arrest and take legal action against the perpetrators, emphasizing that criminals should be judged by their actions, not their caste or party affiliation. Mayawati supported Yogi’s actions, calling for stricter measures against the accused.

SP leaders accuse the BJP government of being vindictive following their loss in the Ayodhya parliamentary election. With by-polls approaching, they claim the BJP leadership is attempting to portray the SP as a party of criminals. They argue that instead of providing justice to the victim, the UP government is engaging in politics.

The incident

According to the police, Moid Khan, who owned a bakery, and his employee Raju Khan, allegedly abused a 12-year-old girl over the span of two and a half months, threatening her with a video of the assault. The incident came to light when the girl was found to be pregnant. A report was filed against the accused under charges of gang rape and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act. Both Moid and Raju were arrested and jailed.

Bulldozer action

The Yogi government demolished Moid Khan’s bakery, built on 3,000 square feet of pond land. Another building owned by Khan, which houses a PNB bank branch, was spared but has been given a notice to vacate. The government plans to demolish four more properties owned by Moid, including his house, and has identified land worth 1 crore rupees belonging to him.

Following the victim’s mother’s meeting with the chief minister, two policemen, including Station House Officer Ratan Sharma and Bhadarsha outpost in-charge Akhilesh Gupta, were suspended due to the alleged delay in the investigation.