Wayanad: Veteran Congress leader from Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad, has been charged with a sexual abuse case based on a complaint lodged by a girl belonging to the Adivasi group. 

The case was registered against former panchayat president and district Congress committee (DCC) member OM George. According to the police report, George was sexually assaulting a 17-year-old Adivasi girl for more than two years. It is also reported that the girl and her parents were working as servants at George’s house.

The incident came to light when the girl (victim) tried to commit suicide. Childline activists undertook the protection of the victim and informed the police immediately. 

The police took the statement from the victim and filed a case. They are also probing the contents of the girl's mobile phone, which is said to have some crucial evidence with respect to the case.

Meanwhile, it is also reported that George tried to settle the case. At present, he is absconding.

Sulthan Bathery circle inspector is investigating the case. Since the victim is a minor, George has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) act.

At the same time DCC president, Sulthan Bathery constituency, said strict action would be taken against George if he is found guilty.

Meanwhile, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Mullappally Ramachandran has said to the media that George is suspended from the party due to the rape case. 

Similarly, the CPI(M) state committee suspended MLA PK Sasi from the party following a sexual abuse complaint lodged against him by a woman leader of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). The decision was taken in the state committee meeting on November 26.