State Minorities Commission Seeks Action Against Navneet Rana

MUMBAI: The alleged sexual exploitation case involving minor girls in Paratwada in Amravati district has taken a political turn, with the State Minorities Commission (SMC) seeking action against BJP leader and former Lok Sabha MP Navneet Rana under the POCSO Act. SMC chairman Pyare Khan alleged that Ms Rana publicly revealed the identities of minor victims and gave the case a communal colour. The commission stated that eight Muslim girls are among the victims, rejecting claims that only Hindu girls were involved. It has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking action against Rana. In his letter, Mr. Khan expressed concern over what he described as “inflammatory and controversial” remarks by Ms. Rana, alleging that some of her statements targeted a particular community, especially Muslims, including remarks asking them to “go to Pakistan.” He said such statements undermine social harmony and violate constitutional principles of equality and fraternity. A team of seven to eight members of the commission also visited the area to assess the situation and verify the allegations made by Rana. Speaking to this newspaper, Mr. Khan said that the most of the eight Muslim victims are minors. “The accused had sexual relations with two females, while there were photographs with the remaining six,” he said. According to Mr Khan, four of the females are from Paratwada, three from Amravati and one from Nagpur, and all belong to the Muslim community. He added that reports claiming the involvement of a large number of Hindu girls were “baseless rumours” aimed at inciting communal tension. The SMC chairman said the commission would move to file a case against Ms. Rana for allegedly revealing victims’ identities and promoting enmity between communities. His letter states that Ms. Rana, before completion of the police investigation, claimed in the media that “180 Hindu girls are being exploited” and described it as “jihad.” “Police later clarified the facts, indicating that the claim was misleading and not based on verified information. Such provocative and unverified statements contribute to social tension, and it is extremely necessary to curb such activities,” the letter stated. Mr. Khan also noted in his letter that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been working towards the welfare of all sections of society. He urged the Prime Minister to take cognisance of the matter and ensure appropriate legal action to maintain peace and harmony.



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