Nagpur: Raising concerns about women’s safety, Congress has sharply criticized the BJP. Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak remarked that the BJP possesses a machine capable of washing away not just stains of corruption but also those related to crimes against women. She accused the BJP of taking no action against tainted individuals once they join the party. Referring to the Badlapur incident, she questioned Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Nayak also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, suggesting that their silence on these incidents is due to their anti-women stance. She cited data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to raise concerns about the law and order situation in Maharashtra. Nayak made these statements during a press conference at the Press Club on Friday.
Rising Crimes Against Women in Maharashtra
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Sat 21 Dec. 2024
Nayak highlighted the increasing cases of crimes against women in Maharashtra, stating that NCRB data shows that 86 rapes occur daily across the country. Between 2019 and 2023, Maharashtra witnessed a 90% rise in cases of sexual assault and abuse of minor girls. Maharashtra recorded the highest number of such cases, with 20,762 incidents. During Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s tenure, 47,381 cases of crimes against women were reported. In 2021 alone, 7,521 rape cases were registered in Maharashtra, averaging 21 incidents per day.
Doubts Raised Over Ujjwal Nikam’s Appointment in Badlapur Case
Regarding the Badlapur case, Ujjwal Nikam has been appointed as the public prosecutor. Nayak questioned his impartiality, citing his ties to the BJP and his past attempts to contest in the Lok Sabha elections. The incident in question took place at a BJP worker’s school, leading Nayak to doubt whether Nikam can work impartially. She also accused the BJP of shielding those accused of sexual assault, citing examples like Kuldeep Sengar and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Nayak argued that the BJP’s actions demonstrate that even rape allegations can be washed away in their “machine.” The press conference also raised issues related to the arrest of opposition protesters, the Sakhi Savitri Committee, and the Shakti Criminal Law. Congress state general secretary Vishal Mutttemwar and National Secretary of Youth Congress Ajit Singh were also present at the press briefing.
