Jayanti Bhanushali resigns as Gujarat BJP vice-president

Gujarat BJP vice-president Jayanti Bhanushali resigned from the post in organisation after a police complaint was filed against him in Surat accusing him of rape. The complaint was filed by a Surat-based girl who claimed that the BJP leader allegedly physically exploited her and also shot a video to intimidate her. Bhanushali wrote to Gujarat BJP chief Jitu Vaghani on Thursday to remove him from the responsibility of vice-president until his name is cleared of the allegations. Vaghani accepted the resignation on Friday.

As per the complaint, the 57-year-old leader has initially offered to help her in getting admission in a leading fashion institute in Ahmedabad. She also mentioned that Bhanushali treated her like daughter first, but then demanded physical relationship. He allegedly had been raping her since November last year. She also alleged that some acquaintance of Bhanushali shot the video of the act inside a car.

"He also enticed me with promises to make me a BJP leader and then raped me couple of times. He also intimidated me saying that he would make the video clipping viral," the girl said in the complaint.

Bhanushali, in his resignation letter said, "The allegations are influenced by political conspiracy. Some people have tried to malign my image in past, and this is yet another attempt for the same. I request you to relieve me from the position in the party, until I come out clean."

TO CLEAN NAME

• His resignation comes following a complaint lodged against him alleging rape. 
   
• He offered to leave the post till his name is clear of the allegation.