Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 25 Jun: Uttarakhand Pradesh Mahila Congress President Jyoti Rautela, addressing a press conference at the party’s state headquarters, today, voiced grave concern over the increasing incidents of crimes against women in the state and accused the BJP government of shielding its own leaders allegedly involved in such cases.
Rautela claimed that the state is reeling under a disturbing rise in gang rapes, murders, and other heinous crimes against women, claiming that on average, one such incident occurs every month. She alleged that a nexus of power and protection has emerged, undermining the state’s moral and judicial fabric. Referring to the case of Anamika Sharma, a former BJP Mahila Morcha district president accused of forcing her minor daughter into enduring repeated sexual assaults, Rautela questioned how Sharma could be felicitated on Yoga Day despite being jailed. She also demanded an inquiry into the alleged VIP treatment Sharma is receiving in prison, citing an audio clip circulating on social media.
Rautela further criticised the BJP’s stance on the Uniform Civil Code, pointing to the case of former MLA Suresh Rathore, who she alleged had violated a woman’s social dignity while the party merely issued a notice. She questioned whether this reflected the BJP’s professed family values.
Quoting the 2022 NCRB report, Rautela claimed that 4,337 crimes against women were registered in Uttarakhand, including 867 rapes and 637 involving minors. She accused the BJP government, the State Women’s Commission, and the administration of remaining silent despite the alarming figures. She also listed several incidents from the past three years under the Dhami government, claiming that fear and insecurity prevail among women across the state.
Rautela asserted that the Mahila Congress would not remain silent and would continue to raise its voice against such crimes, both on the streets and in the Assembly. Senior party leaders including Najma Khan, Asha Manorama Dobriyal Sharma, Chandrakala Negi, Poonam Singh, Anuradha Tiwari, and Sushila Sharma were also present at the press conference.
