Throwing its weight behind Kovalam MLA M Vincent, who was arrested on Saturday on charges of rape, the Congress reiterated its stand that the legislator need not resign.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President (KPCC) MM Hassan stood firm on the party stand that Vincent’s arrest was politically motivated. He was arrested on Saturday on charges of raping a 51-year-old woman.
He was, however, removed from all party posts including that of KPCC secretary.
“The arrest was politically motivated. There is a conspiracy behind it. The conspiracy was hatched by the CPI (M). There should be a comprehensive probe into the conspiracy aspect. Despite these facts since a woman has raised such a complaint, after considering all aspects of the case, he is being removed from all the party posts including that of KPCC secretary,” Hassan announced at a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
Hassan said demands for his resignation will be considered if he is found guilty.
Allegations of rape surfaced after the 51-year-old survivor from Balaramapuram had attempted to kill herself by consuming an overdose of pills on Wednesday. Vincent was booked on Wednesday based on the statement of the woman’s husband. Rape charges were slapped on him after the investigating team, led by Kollam City Police Commissioner Ajitha Beegum recorded her statement on Thursday. He was arrested on Friday after a four-hour long interrogation by the investigating team.
Hassan has alleged that the CPI(M) MLA of the Neyyatinkara constituency in Thiruvananthapuram and a CPI(M) worker were present at the hospital, where the survivor is admitted. “The woman’s brother is a CPI (M) worker. Her sister has raised suspicions about the complaint and said that she has been taking medicines for mental ailments,” Hassan said.
Meanwhile the MLA, a first time legislator, has also said that he won’t quit as there is no precedence in such cases. His wife also came out in his support, stating that the arrest was politically motivated. Congress leaders have largely been guarded in their response. Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala and MLA K Muraleedharan have demanded an impartial and transparent probe while Shanimol Usman demanded the MLA’s resignation.