Devendra Budhia Faces Police Remand In Rape Case Under New BNSS Law

Former national president of the All-India Bishnoi Mahasabha, Devendra Budhia, faced arrest on a rape charge lodged in January 2025. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, as well as the Supreme Court, later rejected his anticipatory bail requests. A Hisar court granted a two-day police remand to facilitate the identification of the crime scene and the recovery of electronic devices. Authorities aim to extract chat messages and gather forensic evidence beyond the 15-day judicial custody limit.

Allegations Reveal Pattern of Manipulation

The 20-year-old complainant alleges that Budhia lured her under the promise of IELTS coaching and overseas education. She claimed he raped her multiple times in Chandigarh and Jaipur, once recording the assault. He also allegedly threatened to frame her in false prostitution charges to silence her. Conversations shared in court records show Budhia attempted to portray the relationship as consensual.

Budhia dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and dubbed them a conspiracy. He and his supporters claim his arrest stemmed from internal conflicts within the Bishnoi community and tensions with political rivals. Critics immediately questioned this defense, asking why no formal complaint emerged until months later. The timing raised eyebrows given Budhia’s long-standing public profile.

Case as a Benchmark of New Legal Provisions

This case serves as a test for India’s recently enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The law allows police remand beyond 15 days if the FIR is registered after July 1, 2024. Earlier requests for remand were denied under previous rules. The court’s decision now reflects how procedural reform is enforcing investigative access in serious allegations.

Devendra Budhia now stands under strict judicial scrutiny. Investigators must recover all digital evidence and thoroughly examine crime scenes. If political status grants leniency, justice loses meaning. Courts and investigators must resist influence and pursue transparency. Public faith depends on it.

This case demands honesty from institutions. It tests whether power insulates or accountability prevails. Devendra Budhia may hold clout, but the system must treat him like any other accused citizen. Only then can society believe that privilege does not equal protection.

Read more: Surge In Crimes Against Women Prompts Political Outrage