Bhopal, June 3 (NationPress) The Tribal Affairs Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Vijay Shah, has found himself at the center of yet another controversy following the circulation of photographs depicting his meeting with the family of a gangrape victim. After a two-week absence from public engagements, Minister Shah made an appearance in his constituency on Monday evening to visit the bereaved family in Harsud.

This meeting, captured in widely shared images, has ignited significant backlash, with critics accusing the minister of breaching the victim's right to anonymity.

The state Congress has vehemently criticized Minister Shah's actions, labeling the public exposure of the victim's family's identity as both unethical and legally dubious.

They have called for accountability, urging the Director General of Police to respond to this troubling matter.

Congress spokesperson KK Mishra raised concerns about whether a First Information Report (FIR) would be lodged against the minister, questioning, "DGP Sir, is this action legally justified? If not, will there be any suo motu cognizance, or will this incident be ignored like previous ones?"

The horrific incident, which transpired on May 23 in the Harsud Assembly constituency, involved the gangrape and murder of a woman.

During a two-hour meeting with the grieving family, Minister Shah promised government support, acknowledging that no amount of compensation could truly make amends for their loss.

Nevertheless, he committed to providing financial aid and ensuring strict action against the perpetrators.

In a bid to offer immediate relief, the minister arranged for a tin shed to be placed over the family's kutcha house, supplying 30 tins and angle pipes.

Furthermore, he presented a cheque of Rs 60,000 from a voluntary fund and assured them of additional support of Rs 4 lakh under the Sambal Yojana.

Minister Shah also pledged to advocate for the harshest punishment for the offenders, aligning with the family's demand for the death penalty.

His visit to Khandwa has come amidst rising criticism regarding his earlier controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

Since May 14, he had been absent from the area, likely attempting to evade backlash. His return, however, has rekindled political tensions, with opposition leaders scrutinizing his motives and management of sensitive issues.

Previously, Shah's comments about Colonel Qureshi resulted in legal repercussions, with the Madhya Pradesh High Court mandating an FIR against him.

His effort to contest the ruling in the Supreme Court was unsuccessful, as the Apex Court declined to stay the High Court's decision.

The court chastised Shah, questioning how a minister could use such language against a distinguished officer. An investigation is currently underway through a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of senior IPS officers formed by the state government following the Apex Court's directives.