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Gujarat BJP Leader Arrested for Alleged Gang Rape, Party Suspends Him
In a shocking incident, Aditya Upadhyay, a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and general secretary of Surat city’s Ward 30, along with his associate Gaurav Singh, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 23-year-old woman. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, reportedly took place in a hotel after the woman was drugged, according to a complaint lodged with the Surat police.
The victim, originally from Uttar Pradesh and residing in Surat with her parents, alleged that Upadhyay spiked her drink, rendering her semi-conscious, before transporting her to a hotel where the assault occurred. The police have charged the duo under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for gang rape and criminal intimidation. Both accused are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to ascertain further details.
The BJP swiftly suspended Upadhyay from his position, distancing itself from the accused amid mounting public and political backlash. The party issued a statement condemning the act and affirming its commitment to justice, emphasising that no individual is above the law. Upadhyay, a prominent figure in Surat’s BJP unit, has been photographed with several senior party leaders, including state and national figures, highlighting his active role in the party’s local organisational structure. After his arrest, his old pictures with BJP leaders have set the internet abuzz. His visibility in party circles has intensified scrutiny on the BJP’s response to the allegations. The opposition, including the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has criticised the ruling party, calling the incident indicative of a broader failure to ensure women’s safety in Gujarat.
The Surat police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Singh Gurjar, have assured a thorough investigation, with all evidence being meticulously examined. This case has reignited discussions on women’s safety, reminiscent of a 2023 incident at IIT-BHU in Varanasi, where three men, allegedly linked to the BJP’s IT cell, were arrested for gang-raping a student, fuelling similar debates on accountability and women’s safety.
