14-year-old accuses Jharkhand Congress MLA of rape, FIR filed; BJP seeks arrest

A 14-year-old tribal girl from Jharkhand's Simdega district has accused Congress MLA Bhushan Bara of rape, physical assault and issuing death threats, alleging that the incidents took place at his official residence in Ranchi.Following a formal complaint by the minor, police registered a case against the legislator under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.The allegations have triggered a political confrontation, with the opposition BJP demanding Bara's immediate arrest and strict action against him.According to the complaint lodged at Dhurwa police station, the girl alleged that Bara raped her at his Ranchi residence on August 5. She further claimed that she became pregnant following the alleged assault but subsequently suffered a miscarriage, which came to light during a medical examination.The girl, who hails from Simdega, reportedly told police that she was brought to Ranchi by the MLA's family in May on the promise of being enrolled in a school. However, instead of receiving education, she was allegedly made to work as domestic help at the legislator's official residence.In her complaint, the minor also accused the MLA of physically assaulting her when she resisted and threatening to kill her if she revealed the alleged incident.She has further alleged harassment and mistreatment by members of the MLA's family.Confirming the registration of the case, Hatia DSP Neeraj Kumar said, "We have registered a case against the MLA from the Simdega assembly seat under the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice Act."He added that the survivor had been sent to Sadar Hospital for medical examination and that her statement would also be recorded as part of the investigation.Bara, however, has denied the allegations, describing them as "completely false and misleading".He alleged that the case was fabricated by people who had been expelled from the Congress and maintained that the truth would emerge after the investigation. He also questioned the delay in filing the complaint.BJP ATTACKS MLA, DEMANDS ARRESTMeanwhile, the BJP has launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the Jharkhand government over the allegations.State BJP president Aditya Sahu described the incident as deeply shameful and demanded the immediate arrest of the accused MLA, along with adequate security for the girl and her family.Questioning Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi over their silence, Sahu asked why the party's leadership had not taken action against its legislator despite the seriousness of the allegations.He also challenged Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the ruling JMM to clarify whether the government would ensure an impartial investigation or remain silent to protect its political ally.Sahu warned that the BJP would launch a statewide agitation if the accused MLA was not arrested immediately and the survivor's safety was not ensured.He maintained that political influence should not shield anyone from legal accountability.Other BJP leaders, including former chief ministers Raghubar Das and Champai Soren, also criticised the state government and demanded strict action.BJP workers staged protests in Simdega and gheraoed Dhurwa police station in Ranchi, pressing for the MLA's arrest.Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi also expressed concern, calling for the protection of the minor.Meanwhile, former Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur urged people to allow the police investigation to proceed, accusing the BJP of politicising the matter.- Ends