Patna: A Jan Suraaj leader has accused BJP workers of assault, molestation and criminal intimidation during polling for the Bankipur Assembly by-election, filing a formal complaint with the SK Puri police station in Patna and seeking the registration of an FIR.
Khushbu Pathak, Vice President of the Jan Suraaj Sangharsh Vahini, alleged that the incident took place near the main gate of AN College at around 5 pm on July 30, while polling was underway.
The BJP had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.
Allegations Of Assault And Molestation
In her complaint, Pathak alleged that BJP’s Rajiv Nagar Mandal President Ashok Kumar, accompanied by around 30 supporters, surrounded her without provocation, verbally abused her and physically assaulted her.
She further alleged that she was pushed, punched and slapped during the altercation. According to the complaint, her dupatta was forcibly pulled off, causing public humiliation.
The complaint also accuses the group of criminal intimidation, alleging that she received death threats during the incident.
Pathak claimed that bystanders intervened, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Claims Of Political Patronage
The complaint alleges that during the incident, some of the accused claimed to have the backing of BJP leader Nitin Navin and described themselves as associates of Bankipur by-election candidate Neeraj Sinha.
Pathak has requested police to investigate these claims and stated that if any evidence of involvement, instigation or complicity by any individual emerges during the investigation, action should be taken in accordance with the law.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
Protest Outside AN College
On Friday, Jan Suraaj workers, led by Pathak, staged a protest outside the main gate of AN College, demanding strict action against those named in the complaint.
The demonstrators called for the immediate registration of an FIR and a fair investigation into the incident.
Video Evidence Submitted
Pathak told police that a video recording of the alleged incident had been submitted on a pen drive along with her complaint.
She has also requested that CCTV footage from AN College and nearby areas be preserved and examined as part of the investigation. In addition, she has urged police to record statements from eyewitnesses.
Police had not issued an official statement on the complaint or confirmed whether an FIR had been registered at the time of publication.
