Udala MLA Srinath Soren

Balasore, Jan. 21: Mayurbhanj police have started a probe into the rape charge against local BJD MLA Srinath Soren and his associate Swarup Das.

The victim’s medical examination was conducted last evening after registration of the case based on her complaint.

“The case is under investigation. She is being medically examined. Today, an X-ray test was conducted to determine her age. Tomorrow, a medical team will arrive here from the district headquarters to conduct further tests,” said sub-divisional police officer Kailash Chandra Nayak.

However, the police have not yet arrested the accused — Soren and Das.

“The probe is on to find out prima facie,” said Nayak.

The 35-year-old victim, apart from alleging that Soren and his associate had sexually assaulted her on January 3, also charged that she was threatened with dire consequences if she disclosed the matter. The woman alleged that the duo had taken from her a sum of Rs 1 lakh in two phases in July 2012 for giving her a government job.

When they failed in their commitment, she demanded a refund of the amount. On January 3, they called her to the MLA’s residence and assaulted her. However, Soren denied the allegations.

“My rivals have hatched a political conspiracy against me to malign me before the polls. I have never seen or known the woman. The allegations of taking money and sexually assaulting her are absolutely baseless,” he said, adding that he would quit politics forever if found guilty.

The victim had lodged a complaint case in the court of local sub-divisional judicial magistrate and the police complaint was filed following the court order.

A case has been registered under sections 376 (D), 506 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code against Soren and Das.