Cong criticises beating of tribal woman allegedly by BJP activists

Ranchi, Dec 25 (UNI) Criticising assault of a woman allegedly by BJP activists in Dumka district yesterday, Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) chief Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu today said ''it reflects the real face of the party.'' ''Women enjoy respect in Indian society and the act of beating a woman in front of an MLA is shameful,'' Mr Balmuchu said.

He said the incident occurred when the victim, Neelam Hembrom, approached the local BJP MLA to remind his assurance of providing her a unit of Indira Awas.

The MLA was addressing party workers who were demonstrating near the deputy commissioner's office as a part of their statewide agitation.

''Instead of hearing her, the BJP activists along with MLA's bodyguards assualted her,'' Mr Balmuchu added.

The JPCC chief said the local party unit had been directed to launch an agitation to protest the act adding the party contained a CD of the ''brutal act''.

UNI