Gujarat BJP V-P resigns after rape allegation

Vice-president of Gujarat BJP and former MLA of Abdasa constituency in Kutch, Jayanti Bhanushali resigned from his post on Friday late evening following allegations of sexual misconduct on him.

Bhanushali has tendered his resignation to State BJP president Jitu Vaghani. The resignation came after a police complaint was filed against him by a 21-year-old girl from Surat, who in her complaint stated that she had come in touch with Bhanushali in connection with her admission to fashion designing college. The girl stated that Bhanushali called her to Gandhinagar where she was sexually exploited by the ex-legislator in a moving car by brandishing a sharp weapon.

The girl claimed that Bhanushali even videographed the entire incident and later pressurised her for sexual favours for himself as well as for others. The girl stated that other than BJP leader, his driver and others were also involved in the crime. It is worth mentioning that the same lady said to have made allegations against Sunil Bhanushali, nephew of Bhanushali for making a sleazy video and blackmailing her. Sunil on his part had levied charges against the girl and her husband of seeking Rs 10 crore in ransom which led to her arrest by the police. Meanwhile, the ex-MLA claimed that allegations against him were forged as part of conspiracy by his political rivals. He said that he would like to be relieved from his duties as vice president of ruling BJP till he would be proven inocent in the case.