HP BJP chief's bro held in rape case, party calls it 'political' plot

SHIMLA : Ram Kumar Bindal, elder brother of Himachal Pradesh BJP chief Rajiv Bindal and a practitioner of traditional medicine, was arrested Friday for allegedly raping a 25-year-old woman under the pretext of a medical examination, police said. BJP termed the case a "politically motivated mischievous act".

The survivor filed a complaint on Oct 8, stating she had been suffering from an ailment and visited Ram Kumar on Oct 7 near the old bus stand for Ayurvedic treatment. She alleged that he assured her she would be "100% cured" and, while discussing her sexual health issues, began examining her private parts without consent. She claimed he raped her under the guise of treatment, but she managed to push him and escape.

Police filed a case for rape and sexual intercourse by a person in authority. SP Gaurav Singh said samples were collected by FSL. BJP media cell convener Karan Nanda said Ram Kumar had a good public image and contributed to strengthening Sanatan Dharma , reiterating the party's claim of political motivation behind the complaint.