Suryanelli rape case: Kurien meets Sonia amid talks of quitting

Facing renewed allegations of his role in 1996 Suryanelli serial-rape case, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurien on Thursday met Congress president Sonia Gandhi to clear the air, although speculation was rife that he may step down amid mounting pressure from the Opposition.

The 72-year-old politician, who has rejected the charges levelled against him by the victim and others in the 17-year-old case, met Gandhi for about 20 minutes at her 10 Janpath residence.

Although Kurien remained tight lipped about the meeting, it triggered speculation that he may now be asked to quit.  Though the Congress party has stood by Kurien, a section within the party, including leaders from Kerala, contend that his continuance as RS  deputy chairman was increasingly becoming untenable following fresh revelations in the case and a growing demand for his resignation.