'Brothel' allegedly Run By BJP Leader In Meghalaya Raided, party issues clarification

Meghalaya: Six children were rescued and 73 people arrested from a “brothel” allegedly run by BJP’s Meghalaya vice-president Bernard N Marak in Tura on Saturday, a senior police officer said.

Rimpu Bagan, a farmhouse owned by militant-turned-politician Marak, was raided on the basis of a tip-off, West Garo Hills district’s Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh told PTI.

“We have rescued six minors — four boys and two girls — who were found locked inside dingy cabin-like unhygienic rooms at Rimpu Bagan, run by Bernard N Marak and his accomplices as a brothel, for the purpose of prostitution,” Singh said.

All the children were handed over to District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) for safe custody and further necessary action as per law, he said.

In the raid, 27 vehicles, eight two-wheelers, about 400 bottles of liquor, over 500 unused condoms, and crossbows and arrows were seized, he said.

Seventy-three people were arrested for their indulgence in “nefarious activities” as evident from the material seized, the officer said, adding that the farmhouse has 30 small rooms.

On the other hand, BJP has issued a press release condemning the raid and saying that is is a political vendetta against Marak.