Lucknow, January 03: In the wake of sharp criticism by all the major Opposition parties demanding action against a ruling BSP MLA accused of raping a minor and also putting her behind bars on charges of theft, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday suspended Pushottam Narain Dwivedi.
Mayawati had on Saturday ordered a CB-CID inquiry against Dwivedi. If found guilty, Dwivedi will be expelled from the party and sent to jail.
The girl,17, belonging to a backward caste, has accused Dwivedi and his henchmen of not only subjecting her to gang-rape but also using his influence to implicate her in a false case of theft alleging she had stolen `5,000 from his house. She is currently lodged in Banda district jail.
“The National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC) has sought a report from the state government and the Banda district administration on the rape of the girl and her arrest on theft charges,” according to NCSC chairman P L Punia.
Opposition parties are demanding a high-level judicial inquiry into the matter.
Congress state president Rita Bahuguna Joshi said the girl has been framed by the local police to save the ruling party MLA and sent to jail, where no one was allowed to meet her.
Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav also threatened to call for protest if no action has taken against the BSP MLA and if the girl remains in jail on trumped up charges.
BJP state president Surya Pratap Shahi has visited Banda and announced to launch an agitation.
Reports said a panel of three doctors, including two lady doctors, conducted the medical examination of the girl and submitted it to the Superintendent of Police Anil Das.
–Agencies–