Another CPI(M) Local Secretary arrested in sex scam

Kochi Jun 24: In further embarrassment to CPI(M), another local party leader was arrested today (Jun 28) by the crime branch probing the alleged rape of a minor girl by 100 odd persons, including her father, taking the total number of accused arrested so far to 42.

The accused, Eldo K Mathew, CPI(M) local committee leader of Puthencuruz in Ernakulam district was arrested this morning, Crime Branch SP S Surendran, told PTI.

Crime Branch sleuths had earlier arrested Thomas Varghese, Marxist party's local secretary of Mazhavannoor. He was later expelled from the party.

Crime branch officers have been sent to neighbouring states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and various parts of Kerala to nab the absconding accused.

A PWD Contractor from Tamil Nadu and an employee of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board are among the accused arrested so far.

The young victim, presently recovering at a rescue home here, has complained to police that her father, who used to do small roles in Malayalam films, was the first to rape her. He then took her to various places and offered her to at least 100 men.

The girl's father has been arrested. Her mother, who was arrested for suppressing information, was later let out on bail.

PTI