Former Bishnoi Mahasabha chief on the run, faces rape charges

Devender Budhiya, former chief of the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, is on the run following a rape complaint. His personal assistant, Kaplesh, has been arrested for allegedly helping Budhiya evade police. Kaplesh is in custody for four days. Budhiya faces multiple charges, including repeated rape and intimidation, after a 20-year-old woman accused him of sexual exploitation. He had previously sought anticipatory bail, which was denied, and is now appealing to the Punjab and Haryana high court. The woman claims Budhiya promised to help her study abroad but instead assaulted her. Budhiya has also accused a local politician of extortion, which the politician has denied, escalating tensions within the Bishnoi community.