Former BJP Youth Leader Arrested for Minor's Kidnapping and Rape in Uttarakhand: Legal and Political Fallout

Oct 15, 2025 10:43 am CST

A former BJP youth wing leader, Dev Singh Bagdwal, has been arrested in Uttarakhand for allegedly kidnapping and raping a 16-year-old girl. The victim was rescued from Haridwar following a missing person report filed by her mother on October 8. The incident has sparked political controversy, with Congress criticizing BJP's "Beti Bachao" campaign while BJP officials condemned the act and promised strict legal action regardless of political affiliations.