A Barbaric Crime that had Shaken Society’s Conscience: Former President of Akhil Bhartiya Bishnoi Mahasabha Accused of Rape, Remains Absconding
In Haryana on January 24, 2025, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Devender Budhiya, former president of the Akhil Bhartiya Bishnoi Mahasabha, for the alleged rape of a 19-year-old girl. The complaint, filed in Haryana, details serious allegations against Budhiya, who is accused of abusing his influential position to exploit the victim.
According to the FIR, the victim’s father, along with his daughter, had approached Budhiya seeking guidance for her higher education abroad. Leveraging his authority as the head of the Akhil Bhartiya Bishnoi Mahasabha, Budhiya allegedly manipulated the situation to lure the young girl into private meetings. The victim has accused him of repeatedly raping her under the false pretext of assisting with her studies. Shockingly, Budhiya is also alleged to have posed as the girl’s guardian in her coaching institutes and even recorded an obscene video of her.
The accused, who is 59 years old, has been absconding since the FIR was registered. Despite consistent efforts by the Haryana Police, including multiple raids, Budhiya has managed to evade arrest. On February 26, 2025, an audio recording purportedly featuring Budhiya surfaced on social media, where he allegedly boasted of his close ties with high-ranking officials and politicians. The recording suggested that he had previously received protection from influential figures.
The victim’s father has since expressed grave concerns about their safety, citing threats to their lives due to Budhiya’s continued evasion of law enforcement. There is also a significant apprehension that if any leniency is shown towards Budhiya, it could lead to witness intimidation and tampering with crucial evidence.
In a bid to avoid arrest, Budhiya initially sought anticipatory bail from the trial court in Hisar. However, his plea was rejected due to the severity of the charges against him. Undeterred, he then appealed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on April 3, 2025. Notably, the High Court did not grant him any interim relief or protection from arrest during the initial hearing.
As the legal proceedings continue, law enforcement authorities remain under pressure to apprehend Budhiya and ensure justice is served. The case has garnered significant public attention, highlighting concerns about the misuse of power and the necessity for strict legal action against perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
