Fresh Rape Allegations Against Former MLA Soukat Molla
Kolkata: Former Canning East MLA Soukat Molla, who is currently in NIA custody in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case, now faces fresh allegations of rape. A housewife has lodged a written complaint at Jibantala police station against Soukat, his driver Lalu Sheikh, and close aides Hossain Sheikh and Samsul Sardar. Police confirmed that an investigation has begun based on the complaint.
Survivor's Account
According to the survivor, in March 2019, her five-year-old son was abducted by local miscreants. In desperation, she approached Hossain Sheikh, a close associate of Soukat, who summoned her to his office at Kalibari in Jibantala. There, she alleges, Hossain assaulted her at gunpoint and raped her. He reportedly threatened that she must comply whenever called if she wanted her child back, and even filmed her in compromising situations to blackmail her. The woman claims Hossain repeatedly raped her under threats.
She further stated that Hossain later sent her to Soukat Molla’s den, where Soukat allegedly raped her inside a room. Subsequently, Soukat’s driver Lalu Sheikh also assaulted her. For nearly a year, she says, her child was withheld while she was subjected to repeated sexual violence. Eventually, she pleaded with a local man known as Islam at Charabidya market, who helped secure the child’s return. At the time, she says, she had no opportunity to complain as Soukat’s men kept constant watch and even the police acted under their influence. Only after the change of government did she manage to file a complaint with the help of BJP leader Mamoni Das.
Political Reactions
Mamoni Das, a resident of Jibantala, alleged that Soukat has a long history of exploiting women. “He ruined many mothers and sisters. If he fancied a woman, his aides would abduct her. They particularly targeted Hindu women,” she claimed.
However, a local Trinamool leader close to Soukat dismissed the allegations as a “deep conspiracy.” He said, “It is impossible that Soukat or his driver would commit such acts. Why did the woman remain silent all these years? A neutral police investigation will reveal the truth.”
