Gujarat: BJP VP resigns over rape accusations, claims innocence
(PTI desk)
Former MLA Jayanti Bhanushali has resigned as vice president of Gujarat BJP following an accusation of rape against him. The 53-year-old leader from Kutch district denied the allegation in his resignation letter sent to the state BJP president, Jitu Vaghani, and claimed it was a conspiracy to malign his image. Bhanushali had represented Abdasa Assembly constituency in Kutch from 2007 to 2012. Here's more.
What's inside Bhanushali's resignation letter?
"Baseless allegations have been made against me and my family. Till the time I am cleared of the charges, I urge the party to relieve me of my responsibilities," Bhanushali said. Later, BJP President Vaghani accepted his resignation.
Woman alleges Bhanushali raped her on several occasions since Nov'17
A 21-year-old woman, resident of Surat, submitted an application to the police commissioner seeking registration of a rape case against Bhanushali. The woman alleged that Bhanushali raped her on several occasions since last November after making a false promise of securing admission for her in a reputed fashion designing college. One of his assistants also shot a video of the act, she alleged.
