SC asks expelled AIADMK MP to join probe

The Supreme Court on Monday asked expelled AIADMK Rajya Sabha member Sasikala Pushpa to join the probe into two criminal cases relating to alleged sexual harassment, ill-treatment of her former maids and forging of documents in her anticipatory bail case.

A bench headed by Chief Justice T.S. Thakur asked Sasikala to appear on October 3 at a police station in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi in alleged sexual harassment case lodged against her and some of her family members.

She was also asked to appear on October 7 before K. Pudur police station in Madurai in alleged forging of documents for her anticipatory bail case.

The court also continued its order of August 26 granting protection from arrest to Sasikala.

The court, taking note of the submission of her counsel that there was threat to her life, directed Tamil Nadu Police to ensure full protection to her so that no harm is caused when she appears in police stations.

The state governmment assured the court that state will ensure protection provided she joins the investigation.

Sasikala's former maids accused her husband and son of alleged sexual harassment. A case was lodged against her and some of her family members for alleged sexual harassment under the Indian Penal Code and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, claiming that the victims were minor.

Another case was registered at K. Pudur police station against Sasikala for alleged forging of documents that were filed before the Madras High Court while seeking anticipatory bail in the sexual harassment case.

Sasikala had approached the Supreme Court against the high court order rejecting her plea for anticipatory bail in the sexual harassment case and registration of a case for allegedly forging documents while filing anticipatory bail plea.

--IANS

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