Congress Protests Surge in Crimes Against Women in Uttarakhand

Congress leaders staged protests against the increasing incidents of crimes against women in Uttarakhand, criticizing the BJP-led government and state police for their inaction. Protests were led by Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya and state Congress chief Karan Mahara in Ranikhet and Haldwani, respectively. Several recent cases highlight the issue.

Congress leaders on Monday staged protests against the recent surge in incidents of crime against women in Uttarakhand, slamming the BJP-led government and state police.

Leader of Opposition in Uttarakhand Assembly Yashpal Arya led a one-hour 'maun upwas' (silent fast) at Ranikhet, while state Congress chief Karan Mahara observed it in Haldwani with other party leaders and workers.

Yashpal Arya issued a statement highlighting the recent spate in incidents of rape and murder of women in Uttarakhand, citing specific cases to underline the perceived insecurity women face in the BJP-led state. Arya criticized the state police's lack of action and the state government's failure to protect women.

State BJP media in-charge Manveer Chauhan countered these accusations, stating that the state government took swift action in each case, with several arrests already made. Chauhan also pointed out that non-BJP states have poor track records concerning women's safety.

The accused in the recent cases, including the alleged rape and murder of a nurse from Udham Singh Nagar and the rape of a teenager in a bus at ISBT, have been arrested, according to the police.

In the Udham Singh Nagar incident, the private nurse was allegedly raped and murdered, her body discarded in a Uttar Pradesh village near the Uttarakhand border.

(With inputs from agencies.)