Wayanad (Kerala): A local Congress leader here has been booked for allegedly raping a minor tribal girl for nearly a year, police informed Wednesday.
A case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Section 376 (rape) and under the SC/ST Act after the girl’s parents complained that their daughter had been allegedly raped for a year by OM George, former general secretary of Wayanad District Congress Committee, who had threatened and blackmailed her several times. George is absconding, police said.
Acting swiftly, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president, Mulapally Ramachandran, announced Wednesday the suspension of George from the party pending inquiry. The party will not protect any accused, Ramachandran said.
The 17-year old girl’s parents were working at George’s house and she used to accompany them on some days. The incident came to light a week ago after the girl’s parents heard George threatening their daughter on the phone. She also attempted to commit suicide by cutting her veins, the girl’s father was quoted as saying by local television channels.
The parents then approached Child Line and a case was registered under POCSO Act. The girl’s statement has been recorded, police said, adding she had been exploited since February last year. The girl’s parents also alleged that another local Congress leader had tried to put pressure on them to withdraw the case and offered money.
PTI
