Meghalaya Sex Racket Case: BJP Leader, Accused Of Running Brothel, Arrested In UP

Meghalaya Police had informed that six minors were rescued from Marak's farmhouse and 73 people were arrested in connection with the case

Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday arrested Meghalaya Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Vice-President Bernard N Marak who is accused of operating a sex racket at his farmhouse in Shillong. According to reports, Marak was nabbed in Hapur district hours after the authorities in Meghalaya issued a look out notice against him. The former militant leader was absconding following a Police raid at his farmhouse at Tura in the state’s West Garo Hills district. 

"Bernard N Marak alias Rimpu has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh. A team is being sent there to bring him to Tura," district Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh told news agency PTI.

Meghalaya Police had informed that six minors were rescued from Marak's farmhouse and 73 people were arrested in connection with the case on Saturday. A non-bailable warrant of arrest was issued against the BJP leader by a court in Tura.

Police have rescued the minors based on a tip-off and seized hundreds of liquor bottles and condoms, besides dozens of cars from the farmhouse, "Rimpu Bagan".

Marak was the chairman of the now disbanded armed rebel group ANVC(B), a breakaway faction of Achik National Volunteer Council. He the  joined the BJP and won the tribal council elections from Tura.

After the incident came to light, Marak defended himself and said that he is innocent. The militant-turned-politician also said that he is the target of political vendetta by the Chief Minister and fears for his life. Even the state BJP supported Marak and backed his claims.

Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya Prestone Tynsong rejected the allegations and said that the government allows the police to act as per their wisdom.

"Law is law irrespective of any party and whether or not he is part of the government. Unpleasant things have happened and we will let the law take its own course," Tynsong said.

According to Meghalaya Police, the BJP Vice President was instructed to cooperate in the investigation and surrender at Shillong Sadar police station. However, Marak was evading arrest. 

Marak is facing charges under various sections of the IPC and the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act, 1956. Over 25 criminal cases have been registered against the politician since the early 2000s.

(With inputs from PTI.)