Kerala: Congress leader raped minor for a year, booked
A Congress leader from Kerala's Wayanad district allegedly raped a minor tribal girl for over a year, police said on Wednesday. The accused, identified as OM George is the former general secretary of the district Congress unit. He is on the run, police said. Apart from abusing the minor for months, George also threatened and blackmailed her several times. A case has been registered.
Victim worked at George's house, was assaulted
The 17-year-old victim reportedly worked at George's house. Her parents were also employed by him. Last week, her parents heard George threatening their daughter on phone. Unable to handle the abuse, the victim tried committing suicide by slitting her wrist. After being rescued, she narrated the ordeal to her parents. Subsequently, the parents contacted a helpline number and they informed the police.
Case registered under relevant sections
Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case under Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and rape. The police are also examining the contents of the girl's phone in hope of getting crucial information. Separately, the victim's parents alleged another local Congress leader offered them hush money which they refused.
Meanwhile, George has been suspended from the party
While the case was reportedly registered on Tuesday, Kerala PCC President, Mulapally Ramachandran, suspended George on Wednesday. He claimed the party will not protect any accused and has asked party's district unit to send a report on the alleged crime.
