A Samajwadi Party leader has been arrested on allegations of attempting to rape a minor. The incident has sparked political controversy, with the BJP accusing the Samajwadi Party of protecting its leaders.

Samajwadi Party leader Nawab Singh Yadav was arrested on Monday on charges of attempting to rape a 15-year-old girl.

According to Uttar Pradesh police, a distress call was received on the 112 helpline around 1:30 a.m. on Monday. Kannauj Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Anand reported that the caller, a young girl, claimed she had been stripped and assaulted.

Upon arriving at the scene, police rescued the teenager and apprehended Nawab Singh Yadav, who was found in an “objectionable” state. The girl informed authorities that her paternal aunt had brought her to Yadav’s residence in hopes of finding job opportunities.

A case has been filed against Yadav under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act, with further investigation ongoing. Yadav, however, has labeled the accusations as a “capitalist conspiracy,” asserting his innocence despite the girl’s testimony and agreeing to a medical examination.

Yadav has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. In response to the scandal, the Samajwadi Party has distanced itself from Yadav. Kannauj District President Kaleem Khan emphasized that Yadav is not affiliated with the party, despite attempts to link him to it. An official statement from the party confirmed that Yadav has been engaged in anti-party activities and is not a member.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi criticized the Samajwadi Party for allegedly shielding its members, citing Yadav’s previous association with MP Dimple Yadav and comparing the situation to other cases involving the party. He accused the SP of consistently covering up such crimes.

Nawab Singh Yadav has a history of legal troubles, with 16 cases against him at Kannauj’s City Police Station and Tirwa Police Station, including charges of attempted murder and violations of the Goonda Act.

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