Uttar Pradesh: BJP MLA, Brother Among Accused In Badaun Gang Rape Case
A case of alleged gang rape, land grabbing, and coercion has been filed against BJP MLA Harish Shakya, his brother Satendra Shakya, and 14 others in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. The case, registered by the Civil Lines Police Station, follows an order issued by the MP/MLA Special Court in response to a complaint by a local resident. The allegations centre on a high-value land dispute and a series of alleged retaliatory actions against the complainant’s family.
The complainant’s family, residents of Budhvayee village, owns 22 bighas of land worth crores. According to the complaint, the MLA and his associates pressured the family to sell the land at an undervalued price. When they refused, the family allegedly faced threats, false legal cases, and violent intimidation. The complainant also claimed that his cousin was abducted, tortured, and later died by suicide in August 2022. The accused allegedly coerced the deceased’s mother into filing a murder case against the complainant’s family, forcing them to surrender another piece of land and make payments to resolve the matter.
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The allegations escalated when the complainant accused the MLA, his brother, and two associates of gang-raping his wife at the MLA’s camp office on 17 September. The complainant stated that his wife was lured to the location under the pretext of resolving disputes but was instead assaulted and forced to sign property agreements.
The MP/MLA Special Court, presided over by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Leelu Chaudhary, directed the police to register an FIR and investigate. The charges include gang rape, land fraud, and implicating the complainant’s family in fabricated cases. Senior Superintendent of Police Brijesh Kumar Singh confirmed the registration of the FIR and stated that Inspector Manoj Kumar Singh of the Civil Lines Police Station would lead the inquiry.
The case has sparked significant political and public attention. The opposition Samajwadi Party has called for immediate action against the MLA, demanding a thorough investigation and criticising the BJP for what it termed a failure to hold its leaders accountable. Meanwhile, MLA Harish Shakya has dismissed the allegations as baseless, claiming they are politically motivated and intended to tarnish his image. In a public statement, Shakya questioned the timing of the complaint and emphasised his trust in the judiciary, asserting that the accusations are fabricated.
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The controversy has intensified as the complainant’s family alleged further harassment, including the destruction of standing crops and continued threats to sell their land. They have demanded a comprehensive investigation, including polygraph and narco tests, to establish the truth.
This case highlights deeper concerns about the misuse of power and the vulnerability of ordinary citizens in land disputes involving influential figures. The police have assured that the investigation will be conducted impartially, and a compliance report has been ordered by the court within ten days.
