Shillong, July 24: The President of the Meghalaya Bharatiya Janata Party state Unit Mr. Ernest Mawrie condemns the raid which had taken place at Mr. Bernard Marak’s resort in Edenbari on 22 July 2022.
“I have personally spoken with renowned and respected individuals from Tura and surrounding areas and I have come to the conclusion that Shri Bernard Marak has been unjustly framed and maligned. It appears that he is a victim of a political vendetta against him”. Said Mr. Mawrie.
The building in which the raid took place is three storey, with the ground floor being used as a banquet hall which is rented out for the stated purpose. The first floor comprises of 30 rooms which is used for home stay.
The second floor is used as a hostel for underprivileged children from different areas of Garo Hills. These children have been staying since the pandemic and Mr. Bernard Marak has been supporting them financially as well.
From amongst the children who were taken by the police, five are minors who are supported by Mr. Bernard Marak and studying in Edenbari School and Auxilium Convent School in Tura. Also, the caretaker’s wife and child were taken away by the police. Married couples who run a fast food in the premises were also taken by the police.
“According to the information I have, the people arrested from the resort by the police on 22 July 2022 evening were guests who had paid for their stay. Likewise, the vehicles confiscated by the police on the same evening belonged to these guests”. Said the BJP President.
The general public of Tura would often visit this resort during the weekends for picnics and also staying over. The guests staying at the resort come from respectable families and branding the resort a ‘brothel’ is highly objectionable and unacceptable.
Young underprivileged children have also been shown in poor light. As mentioned the resort has been running for the last three years and there have never been any complaints whatsoever.
It is obvious that these allegations have been made to tarnish the image of BJP and State Vice President and Convener of Garo Hills, Mr. Bernard Marak due to his growing popularity in Garo Hills specifically Tura South.
It must be mentioned that on 21 July 2022 one day before the raid was carried out NPP youth has pasted posters all over Tura maligning Mr. Bernard Marak. It is also very clear that it is a political vendetta as Shri Bernard Marak’s mother’s house was also raided without any warrant. This is seen as pure harassment.
“While speaking with Mr. Bernard Marak he stated that he is fearful for his life. I request the government to protect the life of Shri Bernard Marak and also withdraw all charges against him which are politically motivated and malign the party image”. Said Mr. Ernest Mawrie President BJP in the press statement.
