Mayawati backs Yogi govt’s bulldozer action in Ayodhya rape case; hits out at Akhilesh for DNA test demand | India News

NEW DELHI: After the arrest of a Samajwadi Party functionary over the alleged rape of a minor in UP’s Ayodhya, BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday said that the Uttar Pradesh government’s strict action against the accused in the Ayodhya gangrape case is justified. The BSP chief also questioned the Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s remark on DNA testing, asking how many such tests were conducted during their governance.
Moid Khan, a bakery owner and SP functionary, along with his employee Raju Khan, were arrested by Ayodhya Police on Thursday for the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl who worked for them as a daily wage laborer. The abuse reportedly continued for more than two months, resulting in the young victim becoming pregnant.
“The strict action being taken by the UP government against the accused in the Ayodhya gangrape case is justified, but what should be understood by SP saying that the DNA test of the accused should be done. Whereas SP should also tell how many DNA tests have been done against such accused in their government,” the BSP chief said in a post on X.
She urged the government to take strict measures to prevent such incidents, transcending caste, community, and political biases.
“Also, amidst the growing concerns about crime control and law and order in UP, especially about women’s safety and harassment, the incidents in Ayodhya and Lucknow etc. are extremely sad and worrying. It would be better if the government takes strict steps to prevent these by rising above caste, community and politics,” she said.

If the DNA tests prove the accusations false … : Akhilesh Yadav
Earlier, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that those found guilty should be punished according to the law, but if the DNA tests prove the accusations false, then the government officials involved should also be held accountable. He emphasized that this is a demand for justice.
“In the case of misdeeds, the way for justice should be found by getting DNA tests done of those who are accused, and not by merely making allegations and doing politics,” he said in a post on X.

Accused’s bakery demolished in Ayodhya
In Ayodhya, officials demolished the bakery owned by Moid Khan. The district magistrate, Chandra Vijay Singh, confirmed the action taken against the accused’s property.
According to Singh, the bakery consisted of two rooms, one large and one small, and was constructed illegally over a pond. The authorities took the decision to raze the structure due to its unauthorised status.
On Friday, hours after UP CM Yogi Adityanath met the victim’s family, the UP government, as per an official press release, suspended two police officers: Ratan Sharma, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Purakalandar police station, and Akhilesh Gupta, the in-charge of Bhadarsha outpost.