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Sunday, Feb 27, 2011
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NCP suspends MLA charged with rape

Staff Reporter

Navi Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has suspended Dilip Wagh, its MLA from Pachora constituency in Maharashtra, against whom there is a case of rape.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party meet here, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that while a probe into the matter had already begun, the party suspended Mr. Wagh who, according to the police, is absconding.

“He [Mr. Wagh] should surrender. He should face [the probe]. His family members should come forward with information. If the offence is proved, the party will take a decision on what step needs to be taken next,” Mr. Pawar said. He did not answer further queries on the issue.

A 20 –year-old woman was called to a government guest house on February 21 with the promise of a job and was allegedly raped by the MLA.

His secretary Bunty Mahesh Mali has also been booked in this connection.

In a press note announcing Mr. Wagh's suspension, party leader Madhukar Pichad called for the investigation to be free of “partisan” concerns.

Deputy Chief Minister and Mr. Pawar's nephew, Ajit Pawar, said the probe would reveal if Mr. Wagh was guilty or if there had been an attempt to frame him.

“Prime facie, some things have come to light. The victim has said that injustice was done to her. So, the party has immediately taken note [of it]. Based on the findings of the police probe, the party will decide what has to be done about him. If it is revealed that his opponents have tried to trap him and assassinate character, then the action taken against him will be revoked,” Mr. Ajit Pawar said.

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