Chhattisgarh Home Minister’s nephew accused of rape

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Police have registered a case of rape against Shamodh Paikra, the nephew of State Home Minister Ramsewak Paikra. The case has been registered in Surajpur district where the accused and victim used to study together in school.

Sources said that the victim, who also has a two-and-half-year-old claimed to be the daughter of Shamodh Paikra, had lodged a complaint with the police a year ago but the matter was hushed up.

Surajpur SP Girijashankar Jaiswal, however, ordered the registration of a case under section 376 after the matter was reported again three days ago. The accused has not been arrested as yet.

Police sources said that Shamodh Paikra and the victim were studying together at a school in Surajpur district when they got to know each other.

As per the complainant, Paikra came close to her and promised to marry her. Meanwhile, she also became pregnant with a child she claims is fathered by Paikra.

The nephew of the minister put pressure on her to abort the child but she decided to give birth to her. The victim was a minor when she was in school.

Paikra later reneged from his promise to marry her after which she complained to the police a year ago. The police then did not take any action. However, the police have now registered a case of rape against Shamodh.

Sources added that Shamodh was initially employed with a public sector coal company and is now a teacher. He also got married to another woman in the intervening period while he kept meeting the victim.