In Gujarat, writing or typing a complaint letter against a sitting MLA has seemingly become a criminal offense. Payal Ashwin Goti, a computer operator in BJP office-bearer Manish Vaghasiya's office, was arrested by Gujarat Police for allegedly typing a complaint letter against BJP MLA Kaushik Vekaria. The arrest took place at midnight, and by Wednesday afternoon, Payal was paraded through the streets of Amreli as though she were a hardened criminal.
The complaint letter in question was written on BJP Taluka Panchayat President Kishor Kanparia's letterhead and was addressed to BJP State General Secretary Ratnakar, with a copy marked to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The letter accused MLA Vekaria of irregularities and interference in Taluka Panchayat affairs.
Upon discovering the misuse of his letterhead, Kanparia filed a criminal complaint. Police investigations led to the arrest of Manish Vaghasiya, Payal Goti, and three others.
Amreli Congress President Pratap Dudhat has condemned the arrest and treatment of Payal, arguing that she was merely following instructions from her employer as a computer operator. Dudhat called the public parade of Payal 'inhumane' and demanded immediate action against the responsible police officers.
In defense, BJP spokesperson Shraddha Rajput denied the allegations of a parade, claiming Payal was taken to the office for a crime scene recreation.
This incident raises pressing questions about whether typing a letter constitutes such a grave offense that it warrants such extreme police action. The spotlight now falls on Gujarat's human rights and women's rights commissions, with many questioning their silence.

Woman arrested, paraded over MLA complaint letter; opposition alleges human rights violation

Outrage Over Woman's Arrest, Parade in Gujarat

Woman arrested, paraded over MLA complaint letter; opposition alleges human rights violation

January 1, 2025 | 18:09 IST