Demolition of bakery owned by SP leader accused of rape sparks controversy in Ayodhya

Ayodhya Rape Case: Bakery of Accused SP Leader Demolished, Political Row Ensues

On August 4, 2024, the Ayodhya district administration demolished the bakery of Moid Khan, a Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and accused in a gang-rape case involving a 12-year-old girl. The incident has triggered a political row, with both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition SP engaging in a heated debate.

Key Developments:

1. Moid Khan, a bakery owner and SP functionary, and his employee Raju Khan were arrested on July 30 for allegedly raping the minor girl, who worked as a daily wage laborer at the bakery.
2. The BJP has linked Moid Khan to SP's Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad, claiming that the accused was a team member of the MP.
3. A BJP delegation met with the family of the rape survivor, demanding increased compensation (from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh) and strict action against the accused.
4. SP leaders have been accused of offering financial compensation to the family to settle the case, which the family has denied.
5. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state president Vishwanath Pal has alleged that the rape survivor's mother is being pressured to compromise in the case.

Reactions:

1. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya vowed to ensure the "harshest punishment" for the culprits, saying their future generations would remember it.
2. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged the court to provide security to the rape survivor, citing the case's sensitivity, and demanded DNA testing of the accused.
3. BSP leader Mayawati backed the UP government's action in the case, criticizing Akhilesh Yadav for demanding DNA testing and accusing him of playing politics over the issue.

Context:

The Ayodhya rape case has become a political hot potato, with both sides trading accusations and counter-accusations. The BJP has sought to capitalize on the incident, targeting the SP and its leaders, while the SP has accused the BJP of politicizing the issue and trying to divert attention from its own alleged corruption and misrule. The BSP has attempted to stay above the fray, criticizing both parties for their handling of the case.