Get out: BJP leader pushes 15-year-old girl out of Indore garba event, faces POCSO probe

The Congress urged BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal to expel accused Kamal Chauhan from the party and demanded his removal from the post of Mandal president.

In Short

• Minor girl alleges she was pushed out of Indore's Kankeshwari Garba venue
• Viral video prompts police action against BJP Mandal president in Garba case
• Congress demands BJP leader's expulsion after alleged mistreatment of minor girl

A case has been registered against BJP Mandal President Kamal Chauhan for pushing and misbehaving with a 15-year-old girl at a Garba venue in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore. The incident occurred during the Kankeshwari Garba Utsav in the city's Hira Nagar area and triggered a political controversy after a video of the incident surfaced on social media.

The police registered the case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint by the minor, who alleged that she was shoved and forced out of the venue during a dispute over entry to the Garba event.

The incident has drawn criticism from the Congress, which has demanded strict action against the BJP leader and questioned the party's commitment to the safety and dignity of young girls.

LOCAL LEADER SEEN PUSHING GIRL

The incident took place at the Kankeshwari Garba venue in Indore's Assembly Constituency No. 2, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Hira Nagar police station.

The 15-year-old girl had arrived to participate in the Garba celebrations when a dispute allegedly broke out over her entry into the venue.

The video shows a heated argument between the 15-year-old and Chauhan, who can be heard saying, "get out of here", as he pushes her to force her out of the pandal. The girl retaliates, saying he "dare not touch her" as others try to intervene.

Videos showing the incident subsequently circulated on social media, bringing the matter into the public domain. Following the development, the police initiated action and registered a case against Chauhan under Section 74 of the BNS and the POCSO Act.

The minor also approached the Hira Nagar police station and submitted a written complaint.

The police said the allegations were being investigated and that further legal action would follow after examination of the complaint and the available evidence.

The case has brought the conduct of the BJP's local unit president under scrutiny, with allegations of assault and inappropriate behaviour towards a minor forming the basis of the complaint.

BJP EXPRESSES DISPLEASURE

The controversy also prompted action within the BJP organisation. Before the formal registration of the police case, Chauhan was summoned to the party office following instructions from BJP Madhya Pradesh president Hemant Khandelwal.

BJP Indore city president Sumit Mishra expressed the organisation's strong displeasure over the episode.

The party has also stated that the viral video would be investigated, even as the police proceed with their inquiry into the allegations.

The incident has raised questions about the conduct of party functionaries at public events, particularly those attended by women and children.

The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and determine the sequence of events at the venue.

CONGRESS TARGETS BJP

The incident acquired a political dimension after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the same Kankeshwari Garba venue and participated in a Kanya Pujan ceremony just hours after the alleged incident.

The Congress criticised the BJP over the development, questioning the contrast between the Chief Minister's pujan of young girls and the allegations of mistreatment involving a minor at the venue.

Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Amit Chaurasia targeted the BJP over the episode, while the party demanded an explanation from the event organisers and strict action against the leader accused in the case.

The Congress also urged BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal to expel Chauhan from the party and demanded his removal from the post of Mandal president.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

With a formal complaint lodged and a case registered under the relevant legal provisions, the police are examining the allegations and the video circulating on social media.

The charges remain allegations at this stage, and the findings of the investigation will determine the next course of legal action.

The episode is likely to remain a political flashpoint in Madhya Pradesh, with the Congress pressing for accountability and the BJP facing demands to address the conduct of its local functionary.

Further developments will depend on the evidence gathered by the police and the action taken by the party leadership.

- Ends