Sindri: A 20-year-old Dalit woman from Kumhardih village in Govindpur police station limits of Dhanbad district filed a rape case against her neighbour Rahul Vishwakarma. In her complaint, the woman also alleged Vishwakarma, his father and brothers of thrashing her parents and her during a panchayat called by the mukhiya to settle the tussle.
In a counter complaint, Vishwakarma’s mother wrote to the SSP and deputy commissioner alleging that the woman is a “habitual blackmailer” and “deceives unsuspecting youths in the name of love and extorts money.” The complainant added, “She has married and dumped four men.”
The rape survivor said she was on her way home on March 12 from Jharia around 7.30pm when Vishwakarma pulled her behind some bushes next to the road. Vishwakarma allegedly sprinkled some chemical on her face and when she fell unconscious, he raped her.
On regaining her senses, the woman informed her parents and her father lodged a complaint with mukhiya Mihir Mandal who convened a panchayat on March 17.
She also told police that a day after the panchayat on March 18, when she was taking her father to the hospital, Vishwakarma allegedly blocked their way and threatened her of dire consequences. Following this, she formally lodged a complaint at Govindpur police station.
A case of rape and under sections of the SC/ST Act was filed against Rahul Vishwakarma, his father and brothers, but no arrests have been made so far. When asked, deputy SP Sarita Murmu said the case is under investigation.