Gurdaspur By-poll: Akali-BJP candidate Swaran Salaria Accused of Rape

NEW DELHI—The by-poll for Gurdaspur parliamentary seat is proving fatal for the Akali-BJP alliance in Punjab.  Few days after the dismissal of Sucha Langaah, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP candidate Swaran Salaria has also been accused of rape by a woman. Some objectionable photos of Salaria in intimate positions with the same woman have also gone viral over social media.

As per latest updates circling social media, the victim woman has moved a plea against Swaran Salaria in the Supreme Court of India claiming that Salaria physically abused her on the pretext of marriage.

The 45 years old complainant has claimed in the plea that Swaran Salaria exploited her physically for 32 years between 1982 and 2014 on the pretext of marrying her. She has stated that in 2014, Salaria told her that he would not marry her. She has further claimed that Swaran Salaria initially kept her in a paying guest accommodation but later gave her a flat to live in.

BJP candidate Swaran Salaria is a Mumbai-based businessman. He has denied allegations levelled by the woman. Salaria has said that complainant was trying to tarnish his public image.

Meanwhile, the Congress has approached the Election Commission seeking cancellation of Swaran Salaria’s nomination. Congress leader and Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal has slammed the BJP and Sawarn Salaria for hiding the information about the criminal cases being faced by him in his nomination papers.

“We are submitting a complaint to the Election Officer besides the Election Commission. Swaran Salaria is already facing a case under IPC Sections 376, 420 and 306 besides the SC Act, which was registered on 15th of December 2014. His nomination should be cancelled immediately,” Manpreet Badal said.