A senior local official from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Indore has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following allegations of manhandling a 15-year-old girl at a public Garba event. The case against Kamal Singh Chouhan, who serves as the president of the party’s Jijabai Mandal in Indore, was officially registered by local law enforcement after video footage of the altercation went viral on social media platforms.
The incident occurred on Thursday night at the Kankeshwari Garba pandal located in the eastern part of the city. According to police reports, the teenager had arrived at the venue alongside her family members with the intention of participating in the festivities. However, the family was denied entry to the event, leading to a heated argument between the organizers and the visitors.
The situation escalated when Kamal Singh Chouhan intervened in the dispute. Video footage that subsequently circulated online appears to show Chouhan confronting the minor near the barricades of the venue. During the exchange, he is seen grabbing the girl by her arm and pushing her away multiple times. The video further captures the teenager protesting the physical contact, with her being heard telling the official, “Mujhe haath mat lagana,” which translates to “Don’t touch me.” Chouhan is observed directing her to vacate the area during the confrontation.
Rajesh Dantodiya, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Crime Branch, confirmed that a formal investigation was launched once the video evidence came to the attention of local police officials. The registration of the case under the provisions of the POCSO Act marks a significant development in the oversight of public events in the city during the festive season.
The incident has triggered a sharp response from political circles, with the Congress party leading calls for accountability. Amit Chaurasia, a spokesperson for the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, directed criticism toward Indore BJP president Sumit Mishra, demanding to know if the party would take disciplinary action by removing Chouhan from his position as mandal president. The opposition has pointed to this incident to question the ruling party’s stated commitment to the safety and protection of young girls within the state.
Responding to the controversy, the BJP leadership in Indore has initiated an internal inquiry. Party leader Deepak Jain stated that the official was summoned to the party office on Saturday to provide a formal explanation regarding his conduct. “After deliberations, we will announce what to do,” Jain informed reporters, signaling that the party is assessing the situation before deciding on further administrative or disciplinary measures.
As the legal process moves forward, the case highlights growing scrutiny over the management of public gatherings and the conduct of local political representatives. The authorities continue to examine the evidence, while the incident remains a subject of intense public debate in Indore. The outcome of the police investigation and the BJP’s internal review are expected to determine the next steps in the matter, including potential legal ramifications for the accused party official.
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