O M George, the District Congress Committee (DCC) member from Wayanad and former Bathery panchayat president, has been charged under the provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for alleged sexual assault of a tribal girl.

George, who is currently absconding, is accused of sexually assaulting the minor girl, aged 17, for one-and-half years while she was employed as a domestic help at his house.

According to reports, the girl, who is currently lodged in a government shelter home, had tried to commit suicide last week. Her parents, who too worked at George’s house, approached the police when the girl narrated her harrowing experience.

The police registered a case against George under relevant sections of the POCSO on Tuesday (29 January) after taking statements of the girl and her family. George has also been slapped with charges under Section 376 (rape) and under the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Act.

Reports say that the police are probing the girl’s mobile phone which they believe contains crucial details regarding the case.

George, who hails from Sultan Bathery, is a former Panchayat president. Reports say that he also tried to “settle” the case with the police. The girl’s parents also have charged local Congress leader of attempting to influence investigation and trying to pressurise them to withdraw the case in lieu of money.

The Kerala Congress on Wednesday (30 January) suspended OM George, the District Congress Committee (DCC) member from Wayanad and former Bathery panchayat president, from the primary membership of the party, Indian Express has reported.

“If he is found guilty, he will be dismissed from the party. The block committee has been directed to inquire on the matter and submit a report immediately. Further action will be taken against him as per the report. Congress will not support any culprits” said Keral Pradesh Congress Committee chairman Mullappally Ramachandran.