Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader and legislator M. Vincent, arrested in a rape case on Saturday, ruled out his resignation, saying he was a victim of political grudge.
Vincent said he was arrested due to pressure on the police from the chief minister's office.
"The police have not arrested the CPM leader accused in the Vadakkanchery rape case, despite the victim giving statement against him. I have to prove my innocence. I begin my legal battle for it today. I won't quit as MLA," Vincent told reporters while being taken to be produced before the magistrate here.
KPCC president MM Hassan said Vincent's arrest was politically-motivated. He said the party would take action against him, only if he is found guilty by a court.
However, Congress leader Shanimol Usman said Vincent should set an example by resigning on moral grounds. She added that Vincent should fight legally to prove his innocence.
Senior Congress leader and leader of the opposition, Ramesh Chennithala, termed the arrest unusual. He said the UDF would discuss the issue on July 25.
M. Vincent, the MLA representing Kovalam, was arrested, a day after being charged with sexual harassment and stalking of a 51-year-old woman who attempted suicide earlier this week.
The woman's husband had filed a complaint with the local police station near here accusing the legislator of threatening and harassing his wife over phone.
The woman told the media on Saturday that she has been facing severe mental harassment from the legislator and he has misbehaved with her on two different occasions.
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