Pramod Jaiswal booked under SC/ST Act

They had also accused the Jaiswals of scolding them and not paying their salaries. Jaiswal is yet to be arrested.

On Thursday,Poonam and Asrita were taken to the UHM Hospital for medical tests.

Though both have claimed to be minors,Kanpur DIG Hari Ram Sharma said: “Both appear to be over 20 years in age,but we are waiting for the reports to confirm the fact.”

Colonelganj Circle Officer Ramesh Chandra Vidyarthi has been appointed the investigating officer in the case.

Denying any political pressure on the police,Sharma said: “We have registered a case after investigating the complaint.” He,however,added that the allegation for non-payment of salaries could not be ascertained yet.

“Poonam and Asrita’s families are expected to arrive in the city by Friday morning,” said Sharma. “Their statement will clarify the issue and then we will be in a position to take required action against Jaiswal,” added Sharma.

Jaiswal,however,denied all allegations. “Poonam and Asrita are illiterates.

It was not possible for us to send them to Jharkhand without any senior person or a relative,” he said.

He added that while Poonam had started working as a domestic help in his home since April 5,2009,Asrita had been in his household for the last one year.

“During this period,none from their family had come to Kanpur to take them to Jharkhand,” said Jaiswal.

“They were paid on time and never complained,” he added,terming the whole episode as a politically-motivated move.