2 sisters book union minister Rajen Gohain for rape, sexual assault in Assam

Guwahati: In what may turn out to be a major embarrassment for the government, two sisters have lodged an FIR with the Assam Police against Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain accusing him of rape and sexual exploitation under the pretext of giving jobs in the ministry.

The Nagaon district Superintendent of Police Shankar B Raimedhi told Deccan Chronicle, “One lady has filed an FIR against the MoS, Railway alleging sexual exploitation. We have registered a case. The complainant has named herself and her sister as victims in the FIR."

While confirming the incident, police said that in the FIR, the victims alleged that union minister was sexually exploiting them for last seven to eight months under the pretext of providing jobs. However, later on, the minister stopped answering their phone calls and also blocked access to his residence in Nagaon.

The victims, who are residents of Deorigaon area of Nagaon, also claimed that they have audio recordings of the minister speaking inappropriately with them.

The elder sister, who lodged the FIR, stated that her younger sister was lured with a job offer in the Railways and sexually exploited by the minister.

Senior police officers told DC that attempts were made to persuade the rape victims to withdraw the FIR.

The police have registered an FIR (no. 2592/18) under IPC section 417/376/506.

Indicating that the investigation will begin soon, sources said that police have neither taken the victims for a medical test nor their statement has been recorded.

The incident also gained importance on social media, triggering widespread condemnation and protests across Assam.

Rajen Gohain, a veteran BJP leader, has been representing the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam since 1999.

Several attempts to reach the minister for his reaction failed to elicit any response.