State dairy body administrator booked for ‘aggravated sexual assault’ on minor

Dehradun: Police in its ongoing probe in the case involving now suspended administrator of Uttarakhand Co-operative Dairy Federation Ltd (UCDFL), Mukesh Bora, also a BJP functionary, have added charges of aggravated sexual assault on a minor girl under relevant sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.Bora had earlier been booked for allegedly raping a widow, mother of two children, for the past three years while promising her a permanent job with state dairy federation.Police said additional charges were added after the widow's 12-year-old daughter accused Bora of assaulting her. The case was registered at Lalkuan police station in Nainital district.Circle officer of Lalkuan, Sangeeta (uses first name only), who is leading the investigation, said Bora has been charged under section 9(m) for aggravated sexual assault and section 10 (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) under the Pocso Act.She added, "The charges were added on Wednesday night. The girl's mother alleged the incident occurred around two years ago when her daughter was 10 years old. The minor recorded her statement in court on Thursday, and the investigation is proceeding as per legal protocol."However, Bora has not yet been arrested. A police officer privy to the case told TOI that under Pocso sections applied, immediate arrest is not mandated as punishment is less than seven years. "We will seek legal counsel before taking further steps," the officer added.On Aug 1, Bora was booked for repeatedly raping the woman under section 376(2)(n) and criminal intimidation under section 506 of IPC. His driver also faces charges under IPC section 506 for threatening the complainant.