Former MLA booked after woman alleges rape attempt

A married woman has alleged that a former MLA and President of Pauri Municipal Council allegedly tried to rape her following which he was booked, police said today.
"An FIR was registered against former MLA Yashpal Benam yesterday on the basis of a complaint registered by the woman and the case has been transfered to Pauri Police," Superintendent of Police Ajay Rautela said.
Benam, however, denied the allegation against him and termed them as baseless.
The woman, who works at a magazine, had gone to visit Benam's office for an advertisement following which he allegedly tried to rape her, Rautela said.

The woman has also accused Benam of calling and disturbing her after the alleged incident took place this month, the SP said, adding she also produced a mobile phone recording along with the complaint.
The accused has been booked under various sections of the IPC, Rautela said.
Benam was elected MLA in 2007 from Pauri and had supported the previous BC Khanduri government in the state.