Molestation slur on Meghalaya MLA

SHILLONG, December 28 (TNN): The Civil Society Women's Organization (CSWO) has demanded immediate arrest of Julius Dorphang, Independent MLA of the Mawhati constituency in Meghalaya, for allegedly sexually exploiting a minor girl.   "The law is equal for everyone. No bail should be granted to the MLA," CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said on Tuesday.   She urged police to follow the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act while dealing with the case.   "According to an FIR filed by the victim on December 16, the MLA sexually exploited her in a guest house in Motinagar. She has named him in her statement to the chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR)," Agnes said.   The CSWO said, "The organization has information about some more MLAs who exploit young girls." The group urged the authorities to take the case of trafficking and sexual exploitation of children seriously and not to shield the perpetrators.   The SCPCR, in a series of FIRs filed in connection with the trafficking case at Marvelene's Inn, owned by the wife of Meghalaya home minister HDR Lyngdoh, has named Dorphang based on the statement of the victim. The inn, located in Motinagar, was raided two weeks ago.   The Child Welfare Committee took the statement of the 14-year-old girl on December 19 last. So far four persons - two women pimps, a hotel employee and a client - have been arrested in connection with the case.   When contacted, Dorphang denied the allegations.