A Congress leader from Kerala’s Wayanad district, OM George, has been booked for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old tribal girl for over a year and a half.

As soon as George’s name surfaced on headlines regarding the issue, he was suspended from the party pending inquiry. The victim’s parents reportedly worked for George as housekeepers and became aware of the incident when the teenage girl was found attempting to commit suicide. They also noticed George allegedly threatening the girl over the phone. Following the discovery, the accused pressurized the parents to withdraw the case in exchange for money. However, the parents refused to give in and pressed charges against the Congress leader.

The accused is currently on the run. A case has been booked on him under relevant sections of the IPC and POCSO Act.