Jharkhand Congress MLA Faces Rape and POCSO Charges After 14-Year-Old Files Complaint

A case under the POCSO Act has been filed against a Congress MLA in Jharkhand after a 14-year-old Adivasi girl accused him of rape, physical assault, forced domestic work, and a forced abortion. The police complaint, registered at the Dhurwa Police Station in Ranchi, states that the MLA brought the minor girl to his home by promising to send her to school. Instead of getting an education, the girl was made to do household chores at his residence. According to the complaint, she was sexually assaulted on August 5, threatened so she would stay silent, and forced to end her pregnancy.

Reactions

The accused MLA has denied the claims, stating that the accusations are a political conspiracy planned by former Congress leaders working alongside the opposition. He added that senior party leaders spoke to him and asked him to fully cooperate with the police inquiry. Meanwhile, BJP state president Aditya Sahu demanded the immediate arrest of the MLA and asked why senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have remained silent on the matter. Sahu also warned that the BJP will start a statewide protest if the MLA is not arrested right away and the victim is not given police protection. Rakesh Sinha stated that an FIR does not prove guilt and a conspiracy is possible, but noted that the issue is sensitive and the party will wait for the inquiry to finish. Sinha added that no party meeting will take place over the next two days because of Chhath Puja, but the MLA could face expulsion if anything negative comes out in the investigation.

Context

Child protection laws in India, such as the POCSO Act, carry strict legal punishments for crimes against minors and require fast-track legal procedures. Political figures facing criminal allegations often face intense public scrutiny and calls for resignation or arrest from rival political parties while police investigations are ongoing.