Political Sparring Over Ayodhya Rape Case Takes Center Stage

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya accused the Samajwadi Party of defending rapists following SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's call for a DNA test in the Ayodhya gang-rape case. This sparked a political clash, with calls for narco tests and claims of cheap politics as bypolls approach in Uttar Pradesh.

In a fiery exchange on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of protecting rapists after SP chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded a DNA test for the accused in the Ayodhya gang-rape case involving a 12-year-old victim who became pregnant.

Senior SP leader Shivpal Singh Yadav countered by calling for a narco test of Maurya to clarify who is engaging in cheap politics around the sensitive issue. Ayodhya police had recently arrested Moid Khan, a bakery owner, and his employee Raju Khan, for allegedly raping the minor two months ago and recording the act.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other BJP leaders alleged Khan is affiliated with the SP. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav insisted without a DNA test, BJP's allegations appear biased, spurring further political tensions as assembly bypolls loom in Uttar Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)