AAP condemns alleged rape of tribal women by security forces in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: Condemning the alleged rape of tribal women in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district by security forces last month, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday said such incidents would only worsen the problem of Naxalism in the state.

Tribal women from four villages of Basaguda block had complained that members of the security forces raped, molested and thrashed them during their operation on October 19-20 in the region, located around 450 kms away from the state capital Raipur. A case has been registered in this connection and a probe is underway.

"AAP workers met the women victims from Basaguda, who narrated the horrible and heart-wrenching incident that happened last month," AAP's state convener Sanket Thakur said in a press conference.

"Naxals exploit such incidents to catalyse Maoist activities and spread their propaganda in Bastar, which would adversely affect the state's attempt to neutralise the left wing extremism," he said.

It is a very serious matter of concern. Why doesn't the government issue a clarification and apologise if something wrong has happened on its part, he said.

Alleging that the ruling BJP failed to tackle the menace of Naxalism, Thakur said, "The state government has lost confidence and faith of people in Bastar."

The party further accused the police of framing innocent villagers as Naxalites and imprisoning them.

"Several innocent tribals were branded as Maoists and sent to prison after they were implicated in false cases. Even they had to face highhandedness of police in jail," Soni Sori, AAP's Bastar convener alleged while talking to media.

In the past, Sori herself was jailed for allegedly acting as Maoist conduit.

"The menace of Naxalism can't be wiped out using guns, while talks along with development of the region could serve the purpose."