Congress Workers Protest In Surat, Demand Strict Punishment For BJP Leader And Associate In Gang-Rape Case

Surat: Tensions ran high outside a Surat court on Saturday as Youth Congress workers launched a fiery protest against two accused in a high-profile gang-rape case, Aditya Upadhyay, BJP’s Ward No. 8 General Secretary, and his friend Gaurav Singh.

The two were being escorted to court after completing their police remand when several Congress workers blocked the path of the police van and climbed onto its bonnet in a dramatic show of anger. Despite a strong police presence, protesters raised slogans demanding strict punishment and carried posters accusing the BJP of sheltering rapists.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a scuffle between police and protesters, resulting in torn clothes and minor injuries. Authorities eventually detained eight Youth Congress members for disrupting public order.

The case stems from a serious sexual assault reported in Surat’s Jahangirpura area. Following their arrest on May 19, police had sought a 10-day remand but were granted four days by the court. In a parallel move, local authorities demolished an illegal eatery allegedly linked to Upadhyay.

Despite heightened security, today’s protest highlighted growing public outrage. “BJP equals Balatkari Jalsa Party,” read one of the placards, as protesters demanded exemplary punishment for the accused and broader accountability within political ranks.

The police have also begun questioning several others connected to the case, including a hotel owner and a medical shop operator. As investigations continue, the incident has reignited debates around political protection, gender justice, and the urgency of legal reform.