Nashik:
A day after an MLA of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) from Pachora, Dilip Wagh, was booked in a rape case, the party has suspended him.
"The party has reacted quickly to the allegations. The police are investigating the case. If it comes through that he was framed then we will take him back into the party," said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
This incident has resulted in a lot of embarrassment for the NCP which is part of the ruling coalition in the state.
Wagh is accused of raping a 22-year-old woman at a government guesthouse at Nashik on February 21.
Government sources have said that a preliminary medical report has confirmed sexual intercourse. The MLA claims he is being framed, but police sources say the victim's preliminary medical report confirms sexual intercourse.
A more detailed chemical report will confirm whether it is a case of rape.
The victim, who spoke out today, stands by the charges.
"He told me he controlled many big organizations and he would give me a job and asked me to get my bio data along with me," she said.
The MLA is still in hiding. His continuing absence is a blow to the image of the NCP which controls the Home Department.