Gaurela–Pendra–Marwahi, India: In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage, a 35-year-old widow was brutally assaulted, partially stripped, and paraded through village streets in Chhattisgarh’s Gaurela–Pendra–Marwahi district. The incident occurred under the Khoderi outpost of Gaurela police station, and authorities have registered a criminal case against multiple accused.
Alleged Relationship Triggered Attack
According to police, the woman’s husband died about a year ago. After his death, she was allegedly involved in a relationship with Hari Prasad, a married man from the same village. Due to social pressure and family opposition, the two reportedly left the village in December and moved to Shahdol district in neighboring Madhya Pradesh.
Family members later filed a missing persons report at Gaurela police station.
Violence After Return to Village
Tensions escalated when the woman and the man returned to the village on Friday. The matter was taken to the local police outpost, where the woman reportedly stated that she wished to continue living with the man.
The following morning, around 10 a.m. on Saturday, the man’s wife and several relatives allegedly forced their way into the widow’s home, dragged her outside, and began assaulting her.
Beaten and Paraded in Public
The attackers allegedly tore the woman’s clothes and beat her with slippers while dragging her through village lanes, eventually taking her to a main road intersection. Some villagers intervened after witnessing the violence and alerted the police.
Police Action
Police arrived at the scene and rescued the victim, who was then taken for medical treatment and to record her statement. Based on her complaint, authorities registered a case under serious criminal charges and took the accused into custody. Further investigation is ongoing.
Authorities Condemn Vigilante Justice
Police officials said the incident reflects an unlawful act of mob violence and warned that taking the law into one’s own hands will not be tolerated. Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty, they added.