Nashik: A case has been registered against a man and 21 members of the Jat Panchayat for raping of a minor. Both belong to the same community and live in Bhokarpada-Rajevadi village of Trimbakeshwar tehsil of Nashik district. According to sources, the rape occurred on 23 January.
After the rape the Thakur Samaj Jat Panchayat held a session and said that that the man would marry the survivor after she becomes an adult.
The alleged rapist pledged in writing 5 acres land to the 15-year-old victim as guarantee.
Later the survivor and her family were pressurised by the Jat Panchayat to return the 5 acre land documents. When the survivor’s family refused, the Jat Panchayat ostracised the entire family. Being ostracised meant that the family could not draw drinking water from the well. On top of that, the entire community stopped speaking with them.
The survivor’s mother then filed a case on Friday. Police registered the case under sections 376, 342 and 451 of the Indian Penal Code and also under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Andhrashraddha Nirmulan Samiti senior leader Krishna Chandgude said that the all the members of the Jat Panchayat should be arrested as a deterent to future crimes and the family should get social justice and be allowed to live with dignity.
