NCP suspends rape accused MLA

Nationalist Congress Party MLA from Pachora near Nashik, Dilip Wagh, who has been charged with raping a girl, was suspended by the party on Saturday. He is still absconding.

Wagh and his personal assistant Mahesh Mali were booked by the police on Friday for allegedly raping the 20-year-old. Confirming that the medical reports establish sexual intercourse, deputy commissioner of police S Nilewad said, “The incident occurred on February 21, but due to threats, the victim registered a complaint only on the 24th. Though this has made it difficult to probe the case, enough material has been gathered to be sent for detailed forensic analysis.”

Announcing the suspension, party spokesperson Madan Bafna said, “Maharashtra NCP President Madhukar Pichad has suspended the legislator and has asked the government to conduct an inquiry into this.”

Speaking on the sidelines of a Panchayat Raj Parishad organised by the NCP at Navi Mumbai, party chief Sharad Pawar said, “Wagh must surrender.” Interestingly, his nephew and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar took a different view, “We are looking into the possibility that this is an opposition ploy to frame our party member,” the NCP heir apparent said. These statements in forked tongue has raised eyebrows as Wagh, too, has claimed the allegations are part of a political conspiracy.

Though no arrests have been made, the police have confirmed that statements of witnesses have been recorded on the basis of the complaint made by the victim at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik on Thursday. According to the complaint, Wagh, along with Mali, asked the Aurangabad-based girl to come to Nashik on Thursday after promising her a job and allegedly raped her at the guest house. On Friday, state home minister RR Patil had said a case has been registered against his party MLA and the police are investigating the matter.