Congress asks why accused in Bhiwandi gang-assault case not arrested; Sandhya Savvalakhe attacks BJP

The Congress has turned aggressive over the case of alleged gang sexual assault on a 22-year-old married woman in Bapgaon area of Bhiwandi taluka. Congress women's state president Sandhya Savvalakhe held a press conference in Kalyan and raised several questions, targeting the BJP.

A case has been registered at Padgha police station against former BJP MLA Narendra Pawar and dismissed police employee Shailesh Patil. According to the victim's complaint, she was taken to a farmhouse in Bapgaon and sexually assaulted. Police have registered the case and begun an investigation. Narendra Pawar has denied the allegations and claimed a conspiracy has been hatched to defame him.

Savvalakhe said, "The Congress stands firmly with a woman who has been wronged. But why have the accused in this case not been arrested so far?" She also asked why the BJP's women office-bearers were not speaking on the matter.

Savvalakhe also expressed concern over the safety of Congress group leader Kanchan Kulkarni, who has helped bring the matter to light. The victim reportedly contacted Kulkarni on September 16, after which Kulkarni took her to Padgha police station.

Savvalakhe also made some serious allegations about Shailesh Patil. His mother has also come before the media, made serious allegations against her son and demanded stern punishment. These are separate allegations, and their truth will be determined in the relevant investigation and court proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Bhiwandi sessions court has rejected Narendra Pawar's anticipatory bail plea. The court said the allegations are serious and custodial interrogation is necessary for an effective investigation. Savvalakhe demanded that the accused be arrested at the earliest and action taken according to law. The final outcome on the allegations will be clear only after the investigation is completed and court proceedings conclude.