Patna: The deputy general of Police, Shalin  is trying to catch  an  RJD MLA from Nawada, Rajballabh Prasad, who apparently raped a 15 year old girl over the past weekend. This  took place on February 6 at the MLA’s residence at Pathra under the Mufossil police station in Nawada district.

Police say the girl , a secondary school student, lived in a rented one-room house in Biharsharif with her two elder sisters and a younger brother. Her parents live in  Rahui village in Nalanda District.

The police report says that a  middle-aged neighbour Sulekha Devi, invited her to a birthday party on  February 6. According to local  media,  the victim informed the police that her neighbours Sulekha Devi (45) and her daughter Choti (25) sold her to the MLA for a few hours for Rs30,000. Later, the victim was offered cash and mobile phone to keep her mouth shut. The MLA, Sulekha and Choti  apparently went underground to avoid arrest.

“The police have been investigating the case and the charges against him are true.  The police have been asked to arrest him without any delay. The victim has identified  Rajballabh as the one who had  raped  her more than once,” Shalin told a newspaper. Next morning, her attacker, whom she later identified as the 53-year-old Rajballabh, threatened her with dire consequences. Sulekha later dropped her at her home on February 7. However, the girl divulged the details to her family and an FIR was lodged at Nalanda women’s police station on February 9,” the investigating officer said.

Rajballabh has been charged under IPC Sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating), 34 ( group criminal activity)and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

The girl was sent for tests to Nalanda sadar hospital. Shalin said her statement was recorded in the court. “The police went  to Sulekha’s house but it was locked.  The MLA’s cellphone remained unreachable despite several tries.

“Attempts are being made to arrest the MLA and Sulekha,” Nalanda superintendent of police Vivekananda said.

The RJD legislative party leader in the Assembly and Bihar deputy chief minister, Tejaswi, also said : “Rule of law is established in Bihar and police are free to work. Had there been any interference, this matter would have not been highlighted. So far as the party is concerned, we are seriously thinking over the issue and will take appropriate action against the MLA.”

In 1994, Rajballabh was charged with raping another minor. Prompted by senior Janata Dal leader Jabir Hussain, the police raided a hotel in Nawada and rescued  the girl. Hussain, who later became chairman for the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha member, blocked him in  1995 Assembly polls, when Lalu Prasad, who was chief minister then, wanted to field Rajballabh. Hussain strongly protested  and the ticket was withdrawn. Rajballabh’s  supporters attacked  Hussain’s house in Kankarbagh. Rajballabh won the seat from Nawada as an Independent.

After the 2000 elections, Rajballabh was made a minister. Again, the MLA’s brother was accused of rape in a Nawada hotel. Later, Rajballabh got a statement from the victim  denying the incident.

“The MLA is one of the richest businessmen of the district owing to his sand-mining and road construction contracts throughout the state,” a police source said.

  crime, RJD