Tensions Rise as Akhilesh Yadav Meets Accused in Gomtinagar Harassment Case

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Pawan Yadav, implicated in the Gomtinagar harassment case. Pawan denies involvement, attributing confusion to his name. UP CM Yogi Adityanath emphasizes women's safety as a priority. Legal actions continue, with multiple officials suspended and several arrests made.

Samajwadi Party chief and Member of Parliament, Akhilesh Yadav, met Pawan Yadav on Friday, addressing the latter's arrest in the high-profile Gomtinagar molestation case. Pawan Yadav expressed gratitude towards the Samajwadi Party and Akhilesh Yadav, claiming his innocence and attributing his arrest to a case of mistaken identity.

Pawan Yadav stated, 'I am thankful to the Samajwadi Party and Akhilesh Yadav. I was not there when the incident happened. I was not involved in the video. CM Yogi Adityanath must have been given wrong information, leading him to implicate me.'

Contrary to Pawan Yadav's claims, a statement from the Lucknow Police clarified that legal action against him is based on existing evidence. The police emphasized that three prior cases have already been filed against him, with charge sheets submitted. The investigation is ongoing, and no clean chit has been issued.

In response to the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated his administration's commitment to women's safety. In an Assembly address, he vowed strict punishment for those behind the Gomtinagar harassment incident. Following the viral video showcasing the harassment of a couple, several police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Additional DCP, were suspended.

The couple, who were harassed near a flooded underpass, fell off their motorcycle after being splashed by water. The incident was widely shared on social media, prompting Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra to raise the issue in the Assembly. Earlier, four individuals, including Pawan Yadav, were arrested and charged under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

(With inputs from agencies.)