Ranchi: The 14-year-old girl who has accused Simdega Congress MLA Bhushan Bara of rape recorded her statement before a judicial magistrate in Ranchi on Saturday under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).The statement was recorded a day after an FIR was registered on the basis of the girl’s complaint. Bara has denied the allegation.Police brought the girl to the court around noon. The statement recording process lasted about an hour. She was later escorted out of the court premises by police personnel, with her identity concealed.The girl is currently under the care of Child Welfare Committee (CWC), sources said. Her father is no more and her mother works outside Jharkhand.CWC chairperson Anshu Mala Karn said the girl had been counselled and was in the committee’s safe custody. “Since her mother is living far away, the girl will remain with us. If her mother is unable to come, CWC will ensure her medical treatment, accommodation and education,” she said.SSP Rakesh Ranjan said that further action would be taken on the basis of evidence collected during the investigation.Congress defended Bara, alleging that he was being framed by political opponents. Khijri MLA and senior party member Rajesh Kachchap described the case as “fabricated”, while maintaining that the party did not support sexual offences.“If he is guilty, he should be punished. We are sure the police will investigate all aspects,” Kachchap said.BJP demanded Bara’s arrest, questioning how a person booked under the Pocso Act was still “roaming free”.
