Angul: Former MLA of Athamallik Sanjeeb Kumar Sahoo rubbished the reports of his involvement in the alleged rape case of a girl here and said that it is an attempt to defame him.
A youth identified as Rajeeb Lochan Pradhan of Angapada village under Kishorenagar Police limits of the district, who was working as a cook at Sahu's house, was accused of raping a girl in Angul around three months ago.
Sources said Pradhan was working in Sahoo's house since 2003 and left work in July this year.
Following the incident, some media houses reportedly published/aired the news against Sahoo claiming that under the pressure of the former legislator, no action has been taken against the accused yet.
Rubbishing the allegations, the former MLA called a press conference and said, "Some electronic and print media have covered the false news in order to malign my image. I condemn such act of those media houses. I also want the girl to get justice," said the former BJD MLA.
"I am neither pressuring police nor the district administration. I have been cooperating with the police in the investigation. I spoke to the SP and North Central IG Narsingha Bhol and requested them to book the accused soon," added the former legislator.
It is worth mentioning that even if three months have elapsed, Kishorenagar Police is yet to arrest Pradhan, who has been absconding following the incident.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)