Dear Colonel Ajay Kothiyal and fellow veterans associated with him,
Jai Hind
This is not merely my personal question—it is a serious moral concern arising in the minds of the entire community of serving and retired soldiers and paramilitary personnel of Uttarakhand.
What compulsion is it that leads you to stand with a political ideology that has repeatedly faced serious allegations related to the harassment and exploitation of women? This question becomes even more pertinent when, in sensitive cases like the Ankita Bhandari murder case, widespread public doubt about the delivery of justice still persists.
A soldier’s life is founded on the principles of “Naam, Namak, aur Nishan” (honour, loyalty, and identity). These are not just words but benchmarks of conduct. In such a context, it is natural to ask whether we are compromising the moral high ground for which the Indian Army is known.
This issue is not about any one party or individual—it is about a mindset where morality and accountability must remain paramount. When it comes to the safety and dignity of women, we must rise above political boundaries.
Across the country, cases involving crimes against women have surfaced against leaders from various political parties. This reflects a broader and serious socio-political problem. According to reports by ADR (Association for Democratic Reforms), many elected representatives face such allegations, indicating an urgent need for reform in our political system.
Certain powerful individuals and their associates, with the intent to mislead the public, have attempted to exploit the narrative around the Women’s Reservation Bill and portray opposition parties as anti-women for electoral gains. It is therefore essential for the nation to examine prominent cases involving BJP leaders to understand the level of respect accorded to women within their ranks.
Prominent cases involving BJP leaders:
Kuldeep Singh Sengar
Former MLA, Uttar Pradesh
Accused in the Unnao rape case (2017)
Investigated by the CBI and tried in court
Sentenced to life imprisonment
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
BJP MP, former WFI President
Accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers
Case investigated and taken to court
He denied the allegations (matter remained under judicial process)
Dr. Hansraj (BJP MLA, Himachal Pradesh – Churah constituency)
Accused (August 2024) by a minor Muslim girl of sexual harassment, obscene chats, and threats
Sandeep Singh (former BJP minister, Haryana)
Case registered following allegations of sexual harassment by a woman coach
Swami Chinmayanand (former BJP MP)
Accused of sexual exploitation by a law student
Devaraje Gowda (BJP leader, Karnataka)
Arrested in May 2024 on charges of sexual harassment and molestation
ADR Report Findings:
A total of 151 MPs/MLAs (across parties) face cases related to crimes against women
Among them, BJP accounts for the highest number (around 54)
Charges include rape, molestation, stalking, and sexual harassment
Recent Allegations (at accusation/suspicion level):
Recent reports have highlighted allegations against some BJP leaders involving misconduct, threats, or harassment of women. Investigations are ongoing and charges are yet to be proven.
Prominent cases in Uttarakhand involving BJP leaders:
Mahesh Negi (former BJP MLA)
Alleged paternity and sexual exploitation case raised by a woman
Matter under police and judicial process
Mukesh Bora (senior BJP leader, Nainital region)
Accused by a woman of repeated rape on the pretext of providing a job and issuing threats
Lalkuan/Nainital Case (senior BJP leader – unnamed)
Woman employee alleged coercion into a relationship under the pretext of employment, followed by blackmail using video recordings
Almora Block Chief Arrest (September 2024)
BJP leader Bhagwat Bora arrested in a case involving alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl
Suresh Rathore Case
Former BJP MLA (later expelled) faced allegations of sexual exploitation
Haridwar Minor Gangrape Case (June 2025)
One of the most shocking cases:
A former BJP Mahila Morcha district president (Anamika) accused of facilitating repeated sexual assault of her 13-year-old daughter with her partner and others
Allegedly forced the child into exploitation across multiple cities
Police arrested the accused; she was expelled from the party
Sanjay Kumar (former State Organization General Secretary, BJP)
Accused of sexual harassment by a woman party worker
Removed from position / made to resign
#MeToo Allegations (other BJP office bearers)
During the #MeToo movement in Uttarakhand, several allegations surfaced against BJP leaders
Many cases did not result in formal complaints
Political context of the Ankita Bhandari case
Names of individuals linked to BJP—Dushyant Gautam and Ajay Kumar—have been discussed in connection with the case
Allegations persist that there has been an attempt to shield the accused and suppress evidence
Core Question
Are we, who swear to dedicate our lives to the defence and honour of the nation, maintaining the same level of moral integrity in our social and political conduct?
Is our silence or support, in some way, strengthening a system that we ourselves feel uncomfortable with deep down?
Final Thoughts
Today, the need is not to support or oppose any particular party,
but to stand firmly with truth, justice, and moral courage.
If we genuinely wish to bring about change in society,
we must begin with an honest introspection of our own decisions and associations.
A soldier is not merely a guardian of the borders—
he is also a representative of the moral character of society.
Jai Hind.
Brigadier Sarvesh Dutt Dangwal
Date: 20/04/2026
BRIG. Sarvesh Dutt Dangwal, The author is a social activist.
