BJP leader Amit Malviya sues RSS activist over sexual misconduct row

BJP's Amit Malviya has filed a Rs 10 crore (100 million)defamation suit as retaliation forRSS activist Shantanu Sinha's allegations of Malviya's alleged involvement in sexual exploitation of women.

“[T]he nature of allegations are extremely offensive in as much as, they falsely allege sexual misconduct purportedly committed by my client. The same is fatally injurious to the dignity and reputation of my client who, by virtue of his professional profile, is a public figure. Such malevolently malicious statements have been deliberately made to tarnish his reputation,” the legalnotice sent by Malviya reads.

Meanwhile,Congress has called for Malviya's "immediate removal" from the position and an "independent probe"into the matter.

It further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of providing "political patronage to the perpetrators of crime."

Congresswoman Supriya Shrinate revealed during a news conference that Malviya was accused by some RSS members of engaging in "nefarious activities",including "sexual exploitation of women not only in 5-star hotels but also in BJP offices in Bengal."

"It has come to light by members of the RSS who are on record -- a gentleman by the name of Shantanu Sinha related to Rahul Sinha, an office bearer of the BJP in Bengal has alleged that Amit Malviya, the head of BJP IT Cell has indulged in nefarious activities, he has indulged in sexual exploitation of women not only in 5-star hotels but also in BJP offices in Bengal," Shrinate said.

Shrinate added, "If you remember the IIT-BHU gangrape and the three people involved --- Saksham Patel, Kunal Pander, and Anand Chauhan --- are all extremely close to the senior leaders of the BJP, including PM Modi."

"It is a position of power and there can be no independent probe or justice unless or until he is removed from the position," said Shrinate, calling for Malviya's "immediate removal."

Shrinate urged the NCW to intervene, saying, "We hope that the new Minister of Women and Child Development is not going to be a mute bystander to women’s plight. We hope that NCW will find their voice, conscience, and morality and take suo-moto cognisance of this matter."

Taking to Facebook on Tuesday (June 11), Sinha clarified that the "post was not aimed to malign Malviya but as a caution not to get entangled in a honey trap".

(With inputs from agencies)