‘Proof found that actor sexually assaulted minor’

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Orissa, on Monday said it had found prima facie evidence of sexual assault of a 15-year-old actress by BJD leader and cine actor Papu Pom Pom and recommended the police to take appropriate legal action against him.

Taking cognisance of a complaint filed by a social organisation with the mahila police, the CWC urged the police to register a case against Papu Pom Pom and one of his associates, Pradipta Swain, under Section 154 of Criminal Procedure Code.

Besides, the committee asked the police to record the statement of the minor girl who levelled the charge in the presence of a magistrate.

In addition to this, the District Child Protection Officer has also been directed by the CWC to give counseling to the victim for speedy recovery from mental trauma.

“This comes under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Prima facie, it appears that sexual assault and sexual harassment has taken place. We have issued an order to the Mahila Police to register a case under the Act. As the girl is in a traumatized state, the victim and her family should be given protection. We have also asked the DCPO to coordinate with the police in the case in order to give justice to the girl,” CWC Member Benudhar Sahu said.

In view of this, the Committee has asked the Bhubaneswar deputy commissioner of police (DCP) to provide adequate security to the child and her family.

Notably, a social organization - The Friends Foundation Trust - had on Saturday filed a complaint with the Mahila Police on behalf of the victim that she has been sexually exploited on the guise of giving her break in acting career. In addition to this, the actor and one his accomplice had allegedly threatened her of dire consequences if she dared to reveal it to police or media.