Thaindian News

Shillong, Jan 23 (IANS) An aide of Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary has been accused of molesting a teenage dancer inside his official residence, police said Monday. The aide has vehemently denied the charge.

Assam Rifles Deputy Commandant Gopa Kumar, who was deputed as ADC to the governor, allegedly molested the 19-year-old dancer of the Megha Rockers Dance group Sunday evening, A.R. Mawthoh, the police chief of the East Khasi Hills, said.

“We have received a complaint of molestation. We have registered a case and a probe is on,” Mawthoh told IANS.

The ADC, however, has rubbished the allegation against him and termed it as a ploy to “tarnish” his image.

“If I want to do something, why should I call them all? It is nothing but this allegation was to tarnish my image. I will fight it in the court,” he said.

A case has been registered against Kumar under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code. If proven guilty, he could be imprisoned for two years and fined.

On Sunday, Kumar invited the group, comprising four girls and five boys to come his residence to discuss a cultural programme to be held Jan 26 during the governor’s reception on Republic Day.

“He (the aide) had called the girl to another room on the pretext of offering her something but instead molested her,” Mawthoh said.

Kumar admitted that he had invited the dancing group to his residence but said that this was to inform them that their proposal to participate in the “Governor’s At Home” Jan 26 was not considered as authorities has already finalized the cultural programme.

“They were angry with me because they were not considered for the programme and now they are making these allegation,” he said.

Shillong Superintendent of Police M. Kharkrang said they were still questioning the aide.

“We have nothing to comment,” he said.

A Raj Bhavan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “The aide was summoned by the governor today but it is not known what transpired in the one-on-one meeting.”