SC Grants Interim Protection From Arrest To Youth Cong Chief In Assam Harassment Case

The Supreme Court has granted interim protection from arrest to youth Congress chief BV Srinivas in the harassment case lodged in Assam.

The Supreme Court has granted interim protection from arrest to youth Congress chief BV Srinivas in the harassment case lodged in Assam.

In a relief to youth Congress chief BV Srinivas, the Supreme Court has granted him interim protection from arrest in the harassment case lodged against him in Assam. The former chief of the youth wing of the party in Assam, Angkita Dutta, had accused Srinivas BV of harassment. Dutta had filed a police complaint against Srinivas BV at the Dispur Police Station in Assam’s Guwahati, for allegedly harassing her over her gender for almost six months. She alleged that Srinivas made sexist comments and threatened her with dire consequences if she complained against him.

She said Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Kumar Borah had asked her to remain silent for at least 48 hours. Dutta said, “I went to Bhupen Borah’s house and met him. He spoke to Srinivas and told me that the latter will not file a defamation case against me and asked me to remain silent for at least 48 hours. I then left his place for my home."

"However, I couldn't even reach my house when I read the tweet that they served a defamation notice on me. I consider Bhupen Borah my mentor and have a lot of respect for him. But what was the value of the APCC president’s commitment,” she wondered.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has expelled Dutta from the primary membership of the party for six years for indulging in “anti-party activities”. In her complaint, Dutta accused IYC National President Srinivas BV of persistently harassing her for the past six months. She said Srinivas made sexist comments and threatened dire consequences if she complained against him.

Dutta in a series of tweets had referred to Srinivas BV as “sexist” and “chauvinistic". “I am a woman leader. If I undergo such harassment, how I am supposed to encourage other women to join," read one of her tweets.

Dutta had also accused senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of not initiating action against Srinivas BV despite being apprised of the matter several months ago. The Congress has dismissed the charges, saying they were politically motivated.