Chhattisgarh Widow Gangraped: Village Elders Allegedly Took Rs 40,000 Fine Before Police Intervention
A shocking case of sexual violence has emerged from Chhattisgarh's Balod district, where a 37-year-old widow was allegedly gangraped by three men. The survivor has claimed that village elders initially attempted to suppress the incident by imposing a cash penalty on the accused before she finally sought justice through the police.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to police reports, the incident occurred on the night of February 22 in a village within Balod district. The survivor stated in her complaint that she had gone to fetch water when she was spotted by one of the accused, Vikas Sinha, who was returning from a liquor party at co-accused Roshan Kumar Sahu's residence.
Sinha allegedly called another associate, Kamal Kumar Sen, and the two men dragged the woman approximately 300 meters to a secluded location. They subsequently called Roshan Kumar Sahu to the spot. The survivor has alleged that all three men raped her sequentially, with the assault continuing until around midnight.
Village Elders' Controversial Response
Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Boniface Ekka confirmed that the matter was first brought before village leaders at the community level. Instead of ensuring proper legal action, the woman alleged that the accused were allowed to go free after each paid a cash penalty of Rs 40,000.
"When she did not receive justice at the village level, the survivor courageously approached the police," stated ASP Monika Thakur, who described the case as serious in nature. Following her complaint, a First Information Report was officially registered on March 13.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Police have arrested two of the accused: Vikas Sinha (26) and Kamal Kumar Sen (23). The third accused, Roshan Kumar Sahu (24), remains absconding, with authorities actively working to locate him.
A comprehensive case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including specific gangrape charges. Additionally, Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been invoked, indicating the survivor belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community.
Background of Those Involved
Police revealed that the survivor had been residing at her parental home following her husband's death. Among the accused, Roshan Kumar Sahu serves as a ward panch, Vikas Sinha works as a market contractor, and Kamal Kumar Sen is employed as a driver.
This case highlights concerning issues regarding community justice mechanisms and the challenges survivors face in obtaining legal recourse, particularly in rural areas. The police investigation continues as they pursue the remaining accused and examine all aspects of this distressing incident.
