Pilibhit Family Faces Charges for Heinous Assault in Land Dispute Case
In a shocking incident from Pilibhit, six members of a family, including three women, have been charged for allegedly stripping a 25-year-old woman, molesting her, and assaulting her husband and three-year-old son over a land dispute. This action follows an order by the court of judicial magistrate in Pilibhit, as confirmed by police on Tuesday.
Background of the Dispute and Alleged Attack
The victim, who had settled in Bareilly with her family a few years ago, returned to their native village on December 30 last year. Upon arrival, they discovered that her husband's relatives had illegally taken over their agricultural land and axed mango trees. When the family objected to this encroachment, the situation escalated dramatically.
The accused allegedly abused the couple and their young son, hitting them with long sticks in a violent outburst. In a particularly egregious act, they stripped the woman and subjected her to sexual harassment, adding to the trauma of the physical assault. The attackers also reportedly threatened to kill the family, creating a climate of fear and intimidation.
Rescue and Medical Aftermath
Neighbors, alerted by the screams of the victims, rushed to the spot and managed to rescue the trio from further harm. The aftermath of the assault was severe, with X-ray reports confirming fractures in the husband's ribs and the son's arm, highlighting the brutality of the attack.
A formal complaint was filed on the same day as the incident. However, the victim alleged that police initially denied taking action, forcing the family to approach the court for justice. This delay underscores challenges in the legal process for such cases.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
SHO Amit Singh stated that the case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), reflecting the gravity of the offenses. The charges include:
- Section 324(4): Mischief and thereby causing damage.
- Section 115(2): Voluntarily causing hurt.
- Section 76: Criminal force to a woman to disrobe her.
- Section 75(2): Sexual harassment.
- Section 352: Intentional insult.
- Section 151(3): Criminal intimidation.
Despite these serious charges, the accused have yet to be arrested, raising concerns about the enforcement of law in such sensitive matters. The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate further.
