AGRA: Despite the government’s push for tougher anti-rape laws, a 40-year-old man in Mathura was let off after a village panchayat decided that the maximum punishment for him was getting thrashed “five times” with a chappal by the 70-year-old survivor.
The bizzare punishment was announced by the panchayat of Bakla Madhi village in Maant area of the district on Saturday. According to the panchayat’s diktat, the woman had “beaten” the suspect, Pappu (40), after which he was allowed to go scot free.
The incident came to light soon after a video of the episode was widely shared online. The elderly woman can be seen beating the suspect and she is later stopped by some of the locals after she completes five thrashings.
A complaint was later filed by her son at the Maant police station, following which an FIR was registered against the accused under section 354 of the IPC (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty).
In his complaint, it was alleged that the woman was sleeping outside her house on Friday night when Pappu tried to rape her. He fled from the spot after she raised an alarm. The woman, a resident of Vrindavan, visits her native village every month to buy ration.
According to sources, the panchayat had allegedly felt that the matter should not circulate outside the village since it would “bring a bad name”.
Station house officer of Maant police station, RC Sharma, said, “A case has been registered against the accused. We have also initiated an inquiry into the panchayat’s decision and necessary action will be taken against it.”
