Gujarat BJP MLA Caught Kicking Woman on Camera, She Later Ties Rakhi to Him

Gujarat: A BJP legislator in Gujarat was caught on camera thrashing and kicking a woman on a busy street as she continued to scream in pain.

In a video clip circulated on social media, the attacker, a BJP legislator named Balram Thawani, can be seen assaulting NCP supporter Nitu Tejwani, who had reportedly gone to meet him to protest over water supply in Naroda in Ahmedabad.

While Thawani was initially quoted in reports as saying that he hit out "in self-defence", on Monday he admitted to assaulting the woman and offered to apologise.

By afternoon, TV channels showed the two sitting next to each other amicably, with Tejwani tying rakhi on the MLA’s wrist.

"She's like my sister. I have apologised to her for what happened yesterday. We have cleared the misunderstandings between us and I have promised to be there if she ever needs any help," Thawani told media persons.

“I got swayed by emotions, I accept the mistake…it was not intentional. I have been in politics for the last 22 years, such thing has never happened before. I will say sorry to her,” the MLA had told news agency ANI earlier in the day.

According to eyewitnesses, Tejwani was already being manhandled by another man when Thawani barged out of his office and joined him in beating her.

Tejwani later filed a police complaint against the legislator. “I had gone to meet BJP MLA Balram Thawani over a local issue but even before hearing me he slapped me. When I fell down he started to kick me. His people also beat up my husband. I ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, how are women safe under the BJP rule?” she said.