Five-time MP gets 10 years for rape

The case was filed in the Purulia court in November 1982. At least 38 people were initially accused in the case, but the remaining were let off for lack of evidence.

Besides Mahato, a five-time MP from Purulia, three others—Budhusingh Mura, Dhansingh Mura and Papui Kamar—were convicted under Sections 376 2G (gangrape) and 448 (house trespassing).

They were taken to the Purulia District Correctional Home amid tight security.

The AIFB has called the judgement a conspiracy by the Congress, saying Mahato had been framed. ‘‘Mahato has been leading a movement by our workers against zamindars over exploitation of peasants. Hence the conspiracy against him,’’ said Debabrata Biswas, AIFB general secretary.

The party is thinking about moving the higher courts for an appeal against the order.

The judgement is a setback for the Forward Bloc, which was still celebrating the Left Front’s massive victory in the Assembly polls, results for which were announced yesterday.