Arunachal: Thousands Take to Itanagar Streets Demanding Sacking of BJP MLA Accused of Rape

Itanagar, January 8, 2020:

Thousands of people took to the streets of Itanagar on Wednesday demanding immediate suspension of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Guruk Padung, who is accused of raping a woman doctor and then threatening her of dire consequences if she breathed a word about her ordeal to anyone.

Men, women and several organisations and NGOs working for the welfare of the people joined in the protest rally in Itanagar with “Aankhen Kholo, Pema Khandu Aankhen Kholo,” meaning “Open your eyes, Pema Khandu,” slogans, urging the Arunachal Chief Minister to take immediate action against his party member.

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It may be mentioned here that a woman doctor had filed a case against Guruk Padung who is an MLA representing the Bameng constituency. She had accused Guruk of raping her at a hotel in Itanagar. According to the complaint, Guruk Pordung, a close aide of CM Khandu and Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, had called her to the hotel to discuss work related to a primary health centre in Bameng on October 12, 2019. However, upon entering the politician's room, he allegedly raped her.

“The Modi-led government has stressed on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao across the country. He is at least taking action against the rapists. I hope the state government also takes strict action against MLA Guruk Padung for his deeds,” said the victim’s husband.

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“The MLA is in anticipatory bail. He is being allowed to sit in the Assembly. The govt. has done nothing in this case. This rally is to demand for his immediate suspension. We will not tolerate the ones who does wrong deeds,” he added.

The victim’s husband has also alleged that MLA Guruk has sent his middlemen to settle the case by offering money to the family. “They come everyday. They have sent us a letter also. This case is not going to be settled locally. This has to set an example in Arunachal Pradesh,” he revealed.

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The protesters questioned the security of women in the state. They also demanded an answer to why the MLA was allowed to sit in the Assembly. “I want a place where my wife, sister, mother, daughter can roam freely without fear. I request the CM to wake up. Why is a rapist is being kept in the party? I request State President Tapir Gao also to take some action,” said the President of Anti-Corruption Sena, who also joined the protest.

It may be mentioned here that the Supreme Court will be hearing the case on Thursday. “Although I have lost faith in the State Police and leaders, I believe in the judiciary. I hope we get justice,” said the husband of the woman doctor.

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