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MP BJP leader Namdeo accused of molesting acid attack survivor, suspended
Police are questioning Madhya Pradesh BJP leader Rajendra Namdeo, who was the vice president of the MP Silai Kadai Board, a position that gave him the status of a minister of state.
The ruling BJP on Monday suspended a Madhya Pradesh leader from the party after he was detained by police for allegedly trying to rape an acid victim in a Bhopal hotel.
Rajendra Namdeo was detained on Sunday night and his questioning was on, police said.
The state government also issued an order removing him as the vice president of the MP Silai Kadai Board, a position that gave him the status of a minister of state.
An FIR was registered against Namdeo on Sunday night for allegedly molesting and attempting to rape the woman on December 11 last year, police officer Sudesh Tiwari said.
The woman, who is a teacher and had acid thrown on her two years ago, got acquainted with Namdeo after the attack. He was among several BJP leaders and ministers who visited her.
“Namdeo had called the victim to Bhopal in the name of providing financial aid from the chief minister,” Tiwari said.
He tried to rape her in a hotel on December 11 but the woman managed to foil the bid, he said. She didn’t lodge a complaint immediately, as Namdeo had threatened her with dire consequences, Tiwari said.
Namdeo is from Maihar in Satna and was recently appointed to the silai board, set up to enable families associated with the traditional craft to be economically independent.
BJP office secretary Satyendra Bhushan Singh said Namdeo was suspended for indiscipline.
“Further action will be taken only after he is proven guilty. The BJP didn’t spare any time in suspending Namdeo but the Congress has not taken any action against its MLA Hemant Katare who is facing rape charges,” he said.
Police have announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Katare, who is accused of raping and abducting a journalism student.
