THE FALLACIOUS allegation by the Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M) MP from Haldia, Lakshman Seth that the deputy inspector general (DIG) of the Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) posted in Nandigram had molested two women in the block, which was laughed at by most, except party leaders, has been tossed out of the window by the West Bengal government.

The CRPF DIG, Alok Raj, who has been around following the violent 'recapture' of Nandigram by Marxist cadres in November 2007 and had restored a semblance of peace in the strife torn area, was monitoring the panchayat polls on May 11, when the MP descended on him reportedly angry that the DIG was doing a good job. He had a heated argument with the DIG and asked him and his men to stay in the camp. Raj refused to abide by what the MP had to say and carried on with his duties. It was then that charges of molestation were levelled at him by the MP.

The West Bengal home secretary Ashok Mohan Chakrabarti told reporters yesterday that the charges of molestation against the CRPF DIG had no credibility. "I personally detest the idea of hurling allegations of molestation at the slightest pretext," he was quoted as saying to the local media.

In what was an obvious attempt at a frame up, two CPM supporters from Sonachura in Nandigram had accused the DIG of molesting them during a raid. Raj had said as much, that he was being framed. He had gone on record as saying that he was at the Nandigram police station holding a meeting when the alleged molestation occurred.

In what was obviously a ham handed attempt at discrediting the DIG one of the women later withdrew the allegation saying she did not know anyone by that name and no CRPF personnel had molested her either.

The complaint filed at Nandigram police station had said that on the eve of the polling on May 10, CRPF jawans entered the woman's house assaulted her husband's brother. When she protested Raj tugged at her sari and molested her. Later she told the media that she had no idea what complaint was filed. All she knew is that CPI (M) leaders had asked her to sign a paper and she followed suit.

The laughable nature of the MP's allegation and the brazen manner of making it raises serious questions about the kind of persona that the electorate elects as their representative in Parliament or is coerced to do so. Allegations such as the one made and that too coming from a member of Parliament does not do the image of the Marxists any good, given that it is already battered on many fronts.