BJP demands Meghalaya Govt to protect Bernard’s life and drop sex racket charges against him

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 24, 2022

BJP state president Ernest Mawrie on Sunday demanded the state government to protect the life of its state vice president and MDC Bernard N Marak and also withdraw all charges against him.

Condemning the raid conducted at Marak’s resort in Edenbari, Mawrie said that it appears that Bernard is a victim of a political vendetta.

“I have personally spoken with renowned and respected individuals from Tura and surrounding areas and I have come to the conclusion that Bernard Marak has been unjustly framed and maligned,” he said.

The West Garo Hills police had claimed to have busted a prostitution racket in the private resort run by the BJP MDC which led to the arrest of 73 persons and rescue of 5 children besides seizure of liquors and unused contraceptives.

The police had also asked Bernard, who is also a former chairman of the disbanded Achik National Volunteer Council – Breakaway (ANVC.B) not to abscond but to cooperate and report to Shillong sadar police station.

Mawrie however said Bernard is fearful for his life.

BJP leader accuses CM of issuing order to gun him down

“While speaking with Bernard Marak he stated that he is fearful for his life. I request 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,” he demanded. 

The BJP president said the building in which the raid took place is three storey, with the ground floor being used as a banquet hall which is rented out for the stated purpose. 

The first floor comprises of 30 rooms which is used for homestay. The second floor is used as a hostel for underprivileged children from different areas of Garo Hills.

He said these children have been staying since the pandemic and Bernard Marak has been supporting them financially as well. From amongst the children who were taken by the police, five are minors who are supported by Bernard Marak and studying in Tura.

Also, the caretaker’s wife and child were taken away by the police. A married couple who run a fast food in the premises were also taken by the police.

“According to the information I have, the people arrested from the resort by the police on 22 July 2022 evening were guests who had paid for their stay.

Also Read | BJP MDC denies running a brothel, questions timing of police raid

Likewise, the vehicles confiscated by the police on the same evening belonged to these guests. The general public of Tura would often visit this resort during the weekends for picnics and also staying over,” he said. 

He further claimed that the guests staying at the resort come from respectable families and branding the resort a ‘brothel’ is highly objectionable and unacceptable.

He condemned that young underprivileged children have also been shown in poor light. 

According to him, the resort has been running for the last three years and there have never been any complaints whatsoever.

Also Read | Sex racket busted in building owned by BJP MDC, 5 children rescued, 75 accused in police net

“It is obvious that these allegations have been made to tarnish the image of BJP and State Vice President & Convener of Garo Hills Bernard Marak due to his growing popularity in Garo Hills specifically Tura South,” Mawrie said.

He also pointed out that one day before the raid was carried out NPP youth has pasted posters all over Tura maligning Bernard Marak. 

“It is also very clear that it is a political vendetta as Bernard Marak’s mother’s house was also raided without any warrant. This is seen as pure harassment,” Mawrie stated.