Congress MLA in Kerala charged with sexual harassment, stalking

Kerala Police have booked Congress legislator M. Vincent and charged him with sexual harassment and stalking in the case of attempted suicide by a 51-year-old woman.

Top Congress leaders in Kerala on Friday welcomed the police probe into complaints against the first-time Congress legislator.

The woman's husband has filed a complaint with the local police station near here that the legislator had threatened and was harassing his wife over phone.

Vincent, who represents Kovalam Assembly constituency in the state capital district, said he has done no wrong and was a victim of a political conspiracy.

"If there is an iota of truth in these allegations, I will not be seen in public life. I am a victim of a political conspiracy and I have done no wrong," said Vincent.

The case surfaced after the woman attempted suicide by consuming excessive dose of sleeping pills on Wednesday. She was rushed to a hospital in the city suburbs and was saved.

The state police chief has appointed Kollam Superintendent of Police S. Ajeetha Begum as head of the probe team. They have already sought permission from Kerala Assembly Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan to take a statement from Vincent.

The police official has taken the statement of the woman who is convalescing in the hospital. Sources in the know of things said she is out of danger.

Speaking to the media on Friday, State Congress President M.M. Hassan welcomed the probe against Vincent.

"Let the police probe go ahead. We will certainly respond once the police comes out with their findings. Till then we will not say anything," said Hassan.

Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters that the Congress party is waiting for the police findings.

"It must also be recalled that the legislator has also given a complaint on why all this happened. We wish that such things are also taken into account by the police. Let us wait for the final report," said Chandy.

--IANS

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