India

UP BJP MLA Accused of Detaining and Torturing Three Men Over Gold Bangle Theft

By HT Correspondent

Kunwar Sushant Singh, a BJP MLA from Badhapur in Bijnor district, is accused of holding three young men hostage at his residence in Ratupura village, Moradabad district, over a suspected theft of gold bangles belonging to his son. The victims’ families say the men were hung upside down, beaten with belts and sticks, and subjected to electric shocks. One victim was reported in critical condition. The allegations surfaced after Ramu Kashyap’s family approached the police on Friday, requesting action against the MLA and five other named individuals, including the MLA’s associates and driver. Police confirmed receipt of the complaint and said they were investigating. According to the complaint filed by Ramu’s mother, Omwati Kashyap, her son was taken from his home on October 7 by Arjun Kumar, an aide of the MLA. The family alleged that two other young men, Atul Kashyap and Lavish Kashyap, who worked at the MLA’s residence, had already been detained on suspicion of stealing gold bangles. The family said the three men were tied with ropes, hung upside down, beaten, had salt rubbed into their wounds, and received electric shocks. Ramu was taken to a private hospital in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, for treatment; the other two men also sustained injuries. The family claimed they were prevented from meeting Ramu and were threatened if they complained to the police. On Friday morning, Omwati, accompanied by relatives and local community members, went to the police to demand action. The matter was taken up with the police in Thakurdwara after officials at Dilari directed the complainants to the appropriate jurisdiction. Local residents protested, demanding the victims’ release and action against the accused. Sushant Singh denied the allegations, stating that the three men had fought among themselves and that the accusations of wrongful confinement, assault, and electric shocks were baseless. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Kunwar Akash Singh said the police had received the complaint and were investigating, adding that further action would be taken based on the inquiry’s findings. No independent investigation has yet established the allegations against the MLA and his associates.