Yet Another Rape? Union Minister Gohain Accused in FIR, Sack Him Says Assam Opposition

GUWAHATI: Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain has been accused of rape. A FIR has been registered by the police that is investigating the case.

The FIR was lodged against the minister on August 2. Four days after this the alleged victim approach the police to withdraw it under what local leaders insist was pressure from the Minister. Local television channels carried an audio clip allegedly of the Minister threatening the woman’s husband. A counter FIR has been filed against her and her family now alleging “blackmail.”

Opposition Congress in Assam has demanded the Minister be sacked and a high level inquiry instituted.

Gohain insisted to reporters in Delhi, “I’m a grass root worker and I have won elections four times. This is a political conspiracy against me which has taken place before as well especially ahead of elections. As the investigation is going on, I’m sure the truth will come out.”

Leader of Opposition in Assam Debabrata Saikia said that Gohain should be sacked before the inquiry starts.

“The photo and audio clippings are already viral on the social media. We demand a high level independent probe. But before that he should be sacked. He dealt a body blow to ‘Beti Bachao’,” Saikia said.

Police said that the case was filed on August 2 and they have been doing the probe as per the law. A senior official of Nagaon police station said that the case was registered last week bearing the number 2592/18.

“The FIR was registered under IPC sections 417 (cheating), 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation). We are investigating and have already noted the lady’s statement,” said an official.

It is also claimed that the alleged incident took place seven to eight months ago. Both Gohain and the woman knew each other for a long time and the union minister used to visit her home, according to the officials in Nagaon police station.

However, on August 6 after four days of the complaint, the lady submitted an application to withdraw her case in the police station. Nagaon superintendent of police SB Raimedhi said that the police does not have the power to withdraw the case which has to be decided by the court of law.

On the other hand, another FIR has also been filed from the side of the minister against the woman and her family alleging them of blackmailing.

Local television channels also played an audio clip where Gohain can be heard threatening the husband of the woman who lodged complaint.

Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), an influential peasants’ body too has demanded Gohain’s resignation.

KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi said that after this allegation, there is no point that Gohain should be a minister.

Gohain has been a BJP member since 1991, and served four terms as a Member of Parliament. On July 5, 2016, he was inducted to the Union Cabinet as a Minister of State of the Railway Ministry.