NEW DELHI: Amit Malviya, the National Information and Technology Department in-charge of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has taken legal action against RSS member Santanu Sinha following allegations of sexual misconduct posted on Facebook.
In a strongly worded legal notice, Malviya demanded an “unconditional apology” and the removal of the “extremely offensive” post within three days.
“The nature of allegations are extremely offensive. The same is fatally injurious to the dignity and reputation of my client… Such malevolently malicious statements have been deliberately made to tarnish his reputation,” the notice stated.
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Sinha’s allegations, which surfaced just a day after Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, have stirred controversy. In response, Malviya emphasised the seriousness of the accusations and the necessity of swift action.
Furthermore, Malviya’s advocate outlined the potential consequences should Sinha fail to comply with the demands within the stipulated time frame. “I, the undersigned, therefore call upon you to issue a public apology and take down/remove your defamatory statement(s) given against my client across all public platforms within three (3) days of receipt of this legal notice, failing which my client will be constrained to take appropriate legal action against you… Further, I call upon you to pay a sum of INR 10 crore as civil damages for the mental harassment, agony and loss of reputation caused to my client,” the notice read.
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Meanwhile, the Congress has called for Malviya’s removal from his position, emphasising the need for justice. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “An RSS member, Shantanu Sinha, related to BJP leader Rahul Sinha, has said that the BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya has indulged in nefarious activities.He indulges in the sexual exploitation of women. Not just in 5-star hotels but in BJP offices in West Bengal. The only thing that we seek from the BJP is justice for women.”
Shrinate insisted that Malviya’s removal is crucial for impartiality. “It’s an extremely influential position. It’s a position of power and there can be no independent inquiry. There can be no independent probe. There cannot be justice unless and until he doesn’t get removed from his position,” she said.