Cong expels leader accused of sexual assault

Kochi: Congress on Saturday expelled Palakkad municipality councillor Prashobh C Valsan, who represents 24th division, after he was accused of sexual assault by a woman belonging to scheduled tribe community.Palakkad district congress committee (DCC) took disciplinary action immediately after the allegations came to light. DCC president A Thankappan said they came to know about the incident through media reports.The survivor has lodged complaints with police and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.The complainant alleged that Valsan sexually assaulted her multiple times under the pretext of securing her stable employment. She further claimed that he pressurised her to terminate a pregnancy resulting from the abuse.While party stripped him of his membership, his position as an elected official remained unchanged for now. "He may resign as councillor on moral grounds, but that is his decision," Thankappan noted, adding, "Party is also conducting an internal inquiry. We did not receive any formal complaint".He dismissed concerns regarding political fallout for the upcoming elections, asserting that Valsan was not a high-profile leader.However, the ruling LDF and BJP seized the opportunity to attack Congress, alleging that the accused was a close associate of Rahul Mamkootathil, MLA. Police registered a case on Saturday after recording the survivor's statement. Case was registered at Palakkad South police station under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Police said Valsan is currently absconding and efforts are under way to trace him.Meanwhile, Congress candidate and actor Ramesh Pisharody said the woman should get justice.Pisharody added that what happened to the woman was wrong and regrettable, and that the accused should be punished.(With inputs from PTI)