Bernard N Marak framed: Meghalaya BJP chief stands by leader

GUWAHATI: Expressing solidarity with its state vice-president Bernard N Marak, who has been named as the prime suspect by police in a prostitution racket, Meghalaya BJP on Sunday condemned the police for “framing” its leader from the Garo hills region of the state.
The saffron party’s state unit on Sunday urged the “government to protect the life of Shri Bernard Marak and also withdraw all charges against him which are politically motivated and malign the party image.” BJP is a partner in the ruling alliance led by chief minister Conrad Sangma’s National People’s Party.
BJP in a statement added, “The Bharatiya Janata Party condemns the raid which had taken place at Shri Bernard Marak’s resort in Edenbari on 22 July 2022. It appears that he is a victim of a political vendetta.” Meghalaya Police on Saturday said it has busted a “brothel” allegedly operating from the farmhouse owned by Marak after it conducted a raided in the farmhouse and rescued five minors and arrested 73 people.
West Garo Hills district superintendent of police VS Rathore in a statement had said, “From the materials recovered at Rimpu Began (farmhouse) as well as the design of building etc, it appears that the pIace was being used by Bernard N. Marak Rimpu and his accomplice as a ‘BROTHEL’ for the purpose of prostitution.”
Police have asked Marak “to cooperate with the investigation and surrender at Shillong Sadar police station immediately.” BJP said the allegations against Marak have been made to tarnish his and BJP’s image. “It must be mentioned that on July 21 , 2022, one day before the raid was carried out, NPP youth has pasted posters all over Tura maligning Shri Bernard Marak. It is also very clear that it is a political vendetta as Shri Bernard Marak’s mother’s house was also raided without any warrant. This is seen as pure harassment.” Marak on Saturday, talking to TOI, denied all the allegations.