The Surat Crime Branch has arrested three individuals for allegedly defaming BJP leaders, including Gujarat BJP Chief CR Paatil. The defamation was carried out through the distribution of pamphlets containing allegations of corruption and extortion involving Paatil and other senior party members.
The action was taken following a complaint lodged by Sandip Desai, a BJP MLA from Choryasi seat. Three individuals named Rakesh Solanki, Khumansinh Patel and Dipu alias Sonu Yadav were arrested by the police and booked under IPC sections 469, 500, 501 and 120 (b).
Based on the case details, Desai received a courier that included a letter and a pen drive. The letter’s author had made defamatory statements against Paatil, several ministers, and BJP MLAs. The allegations claimed that Paatil had accepted bribes from ministers in exchange for favourable portfolios and that he was involved in a large-scale corruption racket.
The pen drive contained videos supporting the allegations made against Paatil. Upon receiving the letter, Desai promptly reported the incident to the Surat crime branch, stating that there was an attempt to defame Paatil. During the investigation, it was discovered that the accused had sent similar couriers to multiple leaders and MLAs.
The controversy began with the arrest of Jinendra Shah, a BJP worker from Ahmedabad by the Crime Branch for alleged extortion bid on CR Paatil, making claims of corrupt activities by Paatil and others involving crores of rupees from the party fund.
The situation intensified when it came to light that some senior leaders from the largest milk cooperative union were also allegedly part of the campaign to tarnish the reputation of Paatil and other prominent party leaders.
As per media reports, Desai expressed his determination to uncover the hidden faces behind the defamatory campaign. He stated, “We, along with other MLAs and BJP workers, filed a complaint with the Surat city police after the distribution of pamphlets defaming our party and Gujarat BJP Chief. The registration of an FIR by the police is a significant step, and I believe the investigation will uncover the truth and expose those responsible.”
During the ongoing investigation, allegations emerged against former cabinet minister and tribal leader Ganpat Vasava as being linked to the conspiracy to defame Paatil. Sources indicate that Vasava reportedly issued a written apology to CR Paatil after the revelations surfaced.
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