Chinmayanand cross-case

All cases are equal before the law, but some are more equal than others, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the state government has been lightning-quick in probing the extortion charges against a law student who has accused former Union Minister Swami Chinmayanand of rape and blackmail. The woman, who studies in a college run by the self-styled godman-cum-politician, was arrested on Wednesday. The SIT claims it has ‘enough’ evidence to establish that Rs 5 crore was demanded from the three-time ex-MP, though there is no proof yet of money changing hands.

The student has already handed over to the probe team about 40 ‘sting’ video clips, which she made with a secret camera fitted in her spectacles, to substantiate her allegation that Chinmayanand was sexually exploiting her. Now disowned by the BJP, the accused served as the Minister of State for Home in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government two decades ago. Not for the first time, the UP Government is under fire for allegedly shielding him. Last year, CM Yogi Adityanath had ordered the withdrawal of a rape and kidnapping case lodged against Chinmayanand in 2011 by the manager of Mumukshu Ashram run by him. However, a Shahjahanpur court stayed the proceedings after the victim raised a hue and cry.

Even as Chinmayanand has reportedly admitted his guilt and apologised, such is his clout that attempts are being made to tighten the noose around the complainant. It’s debatable why he was booked under Indian Penal Code’s Section 376C (sexual intercourse by person in authority, not amounting to rape) instead of the more serious charge of rape (Section 376). The student had no option but to resort to technology to nail a powerful person — an instance of the ends justifying the means. The police must establish beyond all doubt the extortion charges, but at the same time, the probe against Chinmayanand should not fall flat. The Unnao rape case involving former BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar was an embarrassment for the Adityanath government. The Shahjahanpur episode could make it worse for the powers that be if injustice prevails again.