Charges levelled against Mayawati by Dayashankar must be probed: Abha Singh

Condemning the derogatory remark made by expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dayashankar Singh on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, lawyer and social activist Abha Singh on Saturday said if there is any truth in the charges made by the former BJP leader that Mayawati takes money to provide seats for fighting the elections, then it should be thoroughly investigated.

"If his statement has facts that money is being given or taken to give seats to MLA's in UP which goes into election in 2017, then it must be investigated. If corruption is there and there is truth in what he said, I would like the Uttar Pradesh Government to investigate this matter because it violates the process of democracy if money is being given in exchange of tickets," Singh told ANI.

However, Singh strongly criticized the state government and administration for delaying the arrest of Dayashankar and demanded that he should be given strict punishment which will set an example in the society.

"The arrest of Dayashankar Singh is correct, the indecent words he used was not acceptable. He should be given strong punishment so that the message goes that women have to be respected not be ridiculed," Singh said.

Further discussing the sections of Indian Penal Code under which Dayashankar Singh will be charged, she said he will be charged under IPC sections 509 and 294. However, charges under SC/ST Act are not applicable for him.

"He has committed crime under IPC section 509 as he used very derogatory words against Mayawati which violates the modesty of a woman and IPC section 294 for speaking obscene words in public. Deep analysis of the case shows SC/ST Act will not stick because he has not made any slur on her caste or a particular community," added Singh.

Earlier, the Samajwadi Party (SP) hoped that the arrest would make sure that nobody points a finger at the so-called deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.

SP leader Naresh Agrawal told ANI that with the arrest of Singh, the allegations leveled against the party of being inefficient and also being hand in glove with the BJP would be put to rest.

"Now nobody can say that the Uttar Pradesh government is not working or that the BJP and the SP have tacit agreement to shield him (Dayashankar Singh). I am glad that Mayawati held her respect towards Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. In fact CM wants strict punishment for him and other responsible people," he said.

Meanwhile, Janta Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi expressed happiness over the arrest.

"Dayashankar comments were reprehensible that outraged everyone, I am extremely happy that he got arrested," he said.

Singh was arrested from Bihar's Buxar district on Friday and was sent to 14-day judicial custody on Saturday.