Rape case against Vincent MLA: party wants fair probe

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader M Vincent has been booked allegedly for raping a 51-year-old woman and driving her to attempt suicide last week by consistently harassing her.

A case of rape, abetment of suicide and stalking was lodged against Vincent, Congress MLA of Kovalam assembly segment Thursday night on the statement of the woman who had tried to end her life last week at Balaramapuram near here.

The Congress party state leadership Friday demanded a transparent and impartial probe into the matter.

The office of state assembly Speaker said the police have written to Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan informing him that a rape case has been registered against Vincent and his statement would be taken.

The witnesses statements have been taken and the victims medical examination was also conducted today, the police sources said.

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters here that he hoped an impartial and transparent probe would be conducted.

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said Vincent is prepared for any probe.

"Let the inquiry go on. It should be transparent," he said.

Vincent, a first-time MLA, however, alleged that there was a "political conspiracy" behind the allegation against him and filed a complaint with police, demanding a comprehensive probe into the matter.

He claimed that a CPI(M) local leader was present at the womans house when she attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills. Her brother is also a Marxist activist.

The police had on Wednesday registered an abetment of suicide case against Vincent after the womans husband filed a complaint with police, alleging that the MLA used to repeatedly call her over the phone and harass her.

The city magistrate also recorded her statement at a hospital in Neyyatinkara, where she is undergoing treatment.