AIDWA demands resignation of Meghwal

All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) today demanded resignation of Union Minister Nihalchand Meghwal after his name cropped up in an alleged gang rape case.
The women's organisation also demanded security to the complainant and her family members and all support required to fight the case.
The victim has also accused the Minister of threatening her, offering her money and job to take back the case.
Meghwal and 16 others have been issued summons in a 2011 rape case.
"The victim of gang rape had filed an FIR in 2011 against 17 offenders. AIDWA had intervened on her behalf even at that time. The relentless struggle for over three years has finally resulted in some action.

"In this context, when such a serious accusation has been made, and legal proceedings are underway, it is imperative that the Central Minister steps down, pending the investigation. This alone can facilitate a free and fair enquiry into the matter," AIDWA general secretary Jagmati Sangwan said.

AIDWA's Ganganagar unit from Rajasthan, along with other other organisations, had decided to organise a demonstration tomorrow, demanding security for the survivor, and effective and time bound action in the case, she said.
The organisation has also requested for an appointment meeting with the Prime Minister, along with the survivor, on an urgent basis.

Yesterday, Congress women workers staged a protest outside BJP headquarters here demanding immediate resignation of Meghwal.
Meghwal, 42, is the only representative from Rajasthan in Modi's council of ministers. He is the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers.
He was named in an FIR filed in 2011 by a woman who alleged that her husband repeatedly drugged her and then allowed his friends, among them Meghwal, to rape her.
Rajasthan Police had, in 2012, closed the case saying the charges were false and fabricated.
The woman had then approached a district court which, too, dismissed the charges. She filed a review petition, following which additional district judge issued notices to Meghwal and 17 others in this case last week, asking them to respond by August 20.