Rape: Conspiracy cries Julius supporters

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JAN 9: Claiming that the allegation of rape against legislator Julius Dorphang is a political conspiracy, the Mawhati Constituency Political Committee (MCPC) on Monday however said it would withdraw support to him if he is found guilty of the alleged rape of a minor girl.

Before making its stand clear on the issue, the committee functionaries strongly defended the Dorphang saying they suspected the allegation was a trap laid by vested political ahead of the 2018 elections.

Addressing newsmen on Monday, the MCPC working president P Mangu said that the absence of the MLA from the constituency is not because he went hiding but he had gone for medical checkup to Guwahati.

“He (Dorphang) himself told us over phone on December 30 that he is in Guwahati for medical checkup,” Mangu claimed and defended Dorphang saying he is a good man.

Showing complete lack of knowledge on the case, the committee working president further questioned the “too” many FIRs were filed against the legislator in the case and argued why it can’t be just one FIR.

He said that the committee also appealed to the court to punish those found to be involved in the attempt to tarnish the image of the MLA.

“We suspect the incident to be handiwork of some vested political interests who wants to win the next election,” Mangu said as he assured that the committee is ready to work with the officials heading the investigation.

Urging the court to direct speedy investigation into the case, the MCPC leader however said if the MLA is found guilty, he should be punished as per the provisions of the law.

“We are not trying to defend him but if he is guilty he should be punished and from our side we would immediately withdraw support and ensure that the same will not be extended even if he contest again from the constituency,” he assured.

Dorphang, who was booked POCSO Act for alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl, who was rescued from a sex racket involving many people, was arrested on Friday night from neighbouring Assam.

After he was produce in a lower court on Saturday, he was remanded to five days police custody.

At least two FIRs have been filed by the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) against him one in Laitumkhrah police station while the other in Ri Bhoi District.

The sex racket came to light after an employee of a guest house owned by the senior Congress leader’s son was arrested for playing a pimp offering the victim for sexual gratification last month.

The victim was rescued from near the guest house and brought to the police station where she named all those involved in pimping her.

Meanwhile, the state police have assured of more arrests as the investigation is on.