Congress seeks Meghwal's resignation over rape allegation

All India Mahila Congress president Shobha Oza Friday demanded the resignation of union minister Nihalchand Meghwal for being allegedly involved in a rape case.

"We demand the resignation of Nihalchand Meghwal as he might influence trial in the rape case he is involved in, if allowed to continue as union minister," Oza told media persons here.

She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's failure to take action against his minister was shocking, given his repeated concern for matters relating to safety and dignity of women.

"During the elections, the whole of India heard Narendra Modi making tall promises for women's safety. And now, he is silent on his minister accused of rape. This is shameful, and once again his double speak has become evident to the people," Oza contended.

Meghwal, union minister of state for chemicals and fertilisers and BJP MP, was Thursday summoned by a district court in Jaipur to appear in a rape case in which the minister and 16 others are charged.

In 2011, a woman had filed a first information report in Vaishali Nagar police station here of sexual exploitation by Meghwal and 16 others, including her husband.

After investigation, the police closed the case in 2012 as it found the charges to be false and fabricated.

Later Jan 28, 2013, the woman challenged the police closure report in the court which Thursday issued notices to all 17, asking them to respond by Aug 20.