Congress leader booked for rape in Kerala
A case was registered against a local Congress leader in Kerala’s Wayanad for allegedly raping a minor tribal girl for nearly a year, police said on Wednesday. The case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Section 376 (rape) and under the SC/ST Act.
According to the police, OM George, former general secretary of Wayanad DCC was booked after the girl’s parents complained that their daughter had been allegedly raped for a year.
George had also threatened and blackmailed her several times, the parents alleged in their complaint.
George is absconding, police said.
Acting swiftly, the Kerala PCC President, Mulapally Ramachandran, announced the suspension of George on Wednesday.
Pending inquiry, George has been suspended. 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 phone. She also attempted to commit suicide by cutting her veins, the girl's father said.
The parents approached the 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.
Wayanad DCC President, IC Balakrishnan said the party has asked for a report from block and mandal presidents regarding the incident.
The girl's parents also alleged a local Congress leader had tried to put pressure on them to withdraw the case and had offered money for the same.
