Young woman gang-raped in Surat; BJP functionary among arrested
Surat: A case of gang rape has been registered in Gujarat's Surat city involving two accused, one of whom is a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionary. The incident has triggered public outrage and led to the suspension of the party member by the BJP’s Surat unit.
According to police reports, a 23-year-old woman was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted by Aditya Upadhyay and his associate Gaurav Singh. Upadhyay, who held the post of Ward General Secretary in the BJP Surat City unit, has since been arrested and suspended from all party responsibilities.
The complainant, in her statement to the police, alleged that she was offered a cold drink laced with sedatives by Upadhyay after she entered his car on the pretext of a friendly conversation. She lost consciousness shortly afterward. She was then taken to a hotel in the city, where both accused allegedly took turns sexually assaulting her.
The woman managed to file a complaint at Jahangir Pura police station after regaining consciousness. Based on her detailed testimony and preliminary investigation, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including gang rape.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-1), Rakesh Barot, confirmed the arrests and stated: “We have registered a gang rape case based on the complainant’s statement and additional evidence. Both accused have been arrested and remanded to police custody for further investigation.”
CCTV footage from the hotel and digital evidence, including phone and GPS records, are being examined by investigators. Medical examinations of the survivor and the accused have also been conducted.
In response to the incident, BJP Surat City President Paresh Patel issued a statement confirming Upadhyay’s suspension.
“The party has taken cognizance of the matter and suspended Aditya Upadhyay with immediate effect pending the outcome of the legal process,” the statement read.
Women’s rights organisations have condemned the incident and demanded a speedy trial under a fast-track court. Several activists have also raised concerns about potential political interference in the investigation.
The case is likely to be transferred to the Sessions Court shortly. Police have assured that the investigation will be conducted impartially and that all necessary legal procedures are being followed.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Man killed in flat ceiling plaster crash, wife and son hurt
Thane (PTI): A 45-year-old man was killed, and his wife and son were injured when a portion of plaster from the ceiling collapsed in their flat in a seven-storey building in Thane on Saturday, officials said.
Chief of the Regional Disaster Management Cell, Yasin Tadvi, said the 16-year-old building is not listed in the "dangerous" category.
"The incident occurred in Karumdev Society at about 3 am. The plaster of the hall in a flat on the terrace floor suddenly fell while the occupants were asleep", he said.
Of the four people who were inside the room, two suffered minor injuries and were discharged after primary treatment, Tadvi stated.
The injured persons were identified as Arpita More (42), who suffered minor head injuries, and her son Arush More (16), who sustained injuries to both legs.
Manoj More (45), who sustained chest injuries, died during treatment at a private hospital.
