An elected BJP representative from Chikhli taluka panchayat in Navsari was arrested on Thursday in a rape case.
Briefing on the case, the police stated that a 34-year-old single mother of two, lodged a complaint with the PS Wednesday evening, alleging that BJP leader Robin Daniel Patel, 32, a tribal Christian, raped her with the promise of marriage.
The woman, also a Christian, stated in her complaint that she was earlier married in 2008 and had two children. Her husband died in 2017, after which she took to working as a labourer to run the family.
In 2019, she came into contact with Robin and a relationship ensued on promise of marriage. However, whenever she brought up the topic, he sought to buy more time.
A few days ago, her parents and village elders called on Robin to discuss the issue. This time, he completely denied any such word given to her. Feeling cheated, she filed a complaint against Robin on Wednesday.
The police filed an offence under Indian Penal Code sections 376(2)(n) (rape committed on the same woman) and arrested Robin Thursday afternoon. A medical examination of the accused and the victim were done.
When contacted, Navsari district BJP president Bhuralal Shah stated: “Robin contested the Chikhli taluka panchayat election for the first time in 2021 and he won. We will investigate the allegations and decide on action.”
The police is investigating the matter.
Also Read: After Sighting, Search On For Leopards
