Bhopal, June 18: Madhya Pradesh tribal welfare minister Vijay Shah has come under a cloud of sleaze after a woman alleged that her husband forced her to sleep with him.
In her complaint to the inspector general of police ( Indore range) and the state women’s commission, Anandita ( name changed) alleged that her husband, Binsu Bhalerao, mentally tortured her for not bringing dowry and forced her to sleep with many influential people, including Shah.
Bhalerao is the manager of the Khandwa district’s Divya Jyoti Gas Agency, which is owned by Shah and his family.
The Khandwa Kotwali police have registered a case against Bhalerao under Section 498- A of the Indian Penal Code ( IPC) for dowry harassment and are also investigating the sex charges levelled by Anandita.
“ We are investigating whether her husband forced the woman to sleep with influential people,” Sanjay Rana, inspector general ( Indore range), said.
But Rana added that nowhere in her complaint did the woman say that the minister forced himself on her.
Shah dismissed the charges levelled against him and has threatened to file a defamation suit against Anandita.
“ My name has been dragged in this mess for no reason. I am getting a bad name in this domestic dispute,” Shah said.
The Opposition Congress demanded that the minister be sacked immediately and submitted a memorandum to the governor in this regard.
“ We also urged the governor to ensure safety of the women officers and employees working in Shah’s department,” state Congress spokesperson J. P. Dhanopia said.
—Agencies