Bihar: Senior Congress leader booked for sexually exploiting a minor girl

Patna: A case of sex abuse has been registered against a senior congress leader by a minor girl who is also the daughter of a former state minister hailing from the same party.

The girl claimed that she was harassed sexually by several men including high profile car dealer Nikhil Priyadarshi and Brajesh Pandey, who is the Congress Vice President for Bihar.

A case under POSCO (Protection of children from sexual offences) act has been registered against Pandey by the state police and a manhunt has been launched to nab him.

Police sources said, “While his residential premises were raided, it seems that he has gone into hiding after his name surfaced in the incident.”

Priyadarshi and other co-accused are missing after a lower court here had recently rejected his anticipatory bail application.

Speaking on the issue Inspector General of Police – Weaker Section, Anil Yadav told media here that a case under POCSO act against Brajesh Pandey has been registered on the basis of CID women’s cell’s report.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, the victim said that she had met Brajesh Pandey through Nikhil Priyadarshi, who she claimed was her fiancé. She said, “We became friends on social media and later on the pretext of marriage, I was exploited several times by Nikhil.”

She further claimed that Priyadharshi had films of their intimate relationship which he used to blackmail her.

“I was once taken to an apartment where Brajesh Pandey touched me inappropriately. When I resisted he threatened to kill me and also offered me money which I refused instantly”, the girl said.

The victim also said that she belonged to a political family as her grandfather and father have been associated with the congress party. She also threatened to commit suicide if action against the senior leader is not taken by the police.

Her statement has kicked up a political storm in Bihar with leaders from opposition party demanding immediate action against Brajesh Pandey. BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said, “Action must be initiated against Pandey if he is found involved in the heinous act.”