Ayodhya Rape Case: Political Blame Game Intensifies with Calls for DNA, Narco Tests

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of shielding rapists after its chief, Akhilesh Yadav, demanded a DNA test for the accused in the Ayodhya gang-rape case. The incident involved a 12-year-old girl who became pregnant. Senior SP leader Shivpal Singh Yadav retaliated by suggesting a narco test for Maurya to reveal who is politicising sensitive issues.

The Ayodhya police arrested Moid Khan, a bakery owner in Bhadarsa Nagar, and his employee Raju Khan on July 30. They were accused of raping the minor two months ago and recording the act. The crime came to light when a medical examination recently confirmed the girl's pregnancy. BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alleged that Khan is an SP member and part of Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad's team.

Political Accusations and Demands

Akhilesh Yadav issued a statement from the SP headquarters on Saturday, asserting, "Without a DNA test in the Bhadarsa case of Ayodhya, BJP's allegation will be considered biased." In response, BJP accused SP of defending a paedophile and displaying a "boys will be boys" mindset while INDIA bloc leaders remained silent.

In a Hindi post on X, Maurya stated, "It is the Samajwadi Party's innate nature to protect rapists." He criticised SP's leadership, including Akhilesh Yadav and his family members, saying, "If the rapist is a Muslim, then the entire Saifai family puts its weight to save him. The SP will be wiped out." Mulayam Singh Yadav, SP patriarch, was from Safai.

Reactions from Samajwadi Party

Shivpal Yadav responded to Maurya's tweet by writing on X, "I strongly condemn the Ayodhya incident and also support the demand for narco test made by Pawan Pandey. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya should also undergo narco test so that it becomes clear who is doing cheap politics on sensitive issues." Pawan Pandey is the SP's Ayodhya district unit president.

Speaking to reporters in Etawah earlier in the day, Shivpal Yadav said that narco tests should be conducted on both the victim and the accused. He added that BJP leaders and those politicising the issue should also undergo such tests. He claimed these actions were due to their electoral defeat and with assembly bypolls approaching.

Upcoming Bypolls

Bypolls will take place in 10 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Ayodhya's Milkipur seat vacated by SP's Awadhesh Prasad after winning the Lok Sabha polls. The dates for these by-elections are yet to be announced.

The Ayodhya gang rape case gained political traction after claims surfaced that Moid Khan is an SP member. Adityanath mentioned this incident in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Thursday to target SP. He stated, "Moid Khan is from SP and is a member of the Ayodhya MP's team. He has been found involved in the rape of a 12-year-old girl. SP has not taken any action against him."

Government Actions

After meeting with the victim's mother on Friday, Adityanath directed officials to ensure special arrangements for her health and safety. On Saturday, Ayodhya district administration demolished Moid Khan's bakery.

The political tension surrounding this case continues to escalate as both parties exchange accusations and demands for various tests to uncover the truth behind these allegations.