NCP leader Jayant Patil on Wednesday raised the issue of BJP activist Ganesh Pandey not being arrested despite allegations of sexual harassment against him.
NCP leader Jayant Patil on Wednesday raised the issue of BJP activist Ganesh Pandey not being arrested despite allegations of sexual harassment against him. The demand created quite a furore in the Assembly and the MLAs were pacified only after speaker of the House Haribhau Bagde asked the government to keep its promise and take further action against the accused.
A BJP woman activist had levelled sexual harassment charges against Pandey last week and also lodged an FIR against him. However, Pandey has not been arrested so far. Raising the issue in the House, Mr Patil asked the government why Pandey had not been arrested, despite serious charges being levelled against him.
“The woman has complained even before the women’s commission which is headed by a BJP leader. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had said he would not pardon anyone and take strict action against the culprits. A police complaint has also been lodged but Pandey has still not been arrested. The Speaker should order the government to take stern action against Pandey,” Mr Patil said.
This led to chaos in the House, as members from the ruling party started shouting against Mr Patil. Opposition Congress-NCP members also got into the Well to support their leader Mr Patil and shouted slogans against the BJP.
Congress MLA Varsha Gaikwad said the government was not taking cognisance of the matter even after the victim, a woman, had complained about it. She criticised the home department, headed by the chief minister, for being a mute spectator.
The Speaker had to intervene as members from both the sides were disrupting House proceedings. “The government should keep its promise given in the House (regarding the matter),” Mr Bagde said.
