In a shocking video that went viral on social media, a minor girl was assaulted by a village elder in front of the entire village on Wednesday, 14 August, in KP Doddi village, in Gummagatta block of Anantpur district, Andhra Pradesh.
The 17-year-old girl was assaulted after she had eloped with her 20-year-old cousin. The couple were caught and brought back to the village to face the justice of the elders.
In the video that has gone viral on social media the boy is seen sitting on the ground surrounded by villagers, while the girl is being questioned by the village elder. Without any warning the elderly man starts slapping her hard and then assaults her with a stick and eventually throws her on the ground and kicks her.
According to the Hindustan Times, the village elder, 70-year-old, Boya Linganna, is respected by all in the village. When Rayadurgam Circle Inspector, Sainath spoke to the villagers they threatened to go on a dharna if Linganna is arrested.
Police claims that the girl’s family approached Linganna as she was adamant about marrying her cousin. Linganna called the village panchayat and summoned the girl and boy there. When the girl revolted against the Linganna and the panchayat’s advise to end the relationship, Linganna lost his temper and assaulted the girl.
According to NDTV, District Police Chief of Anantpur, B Yesubabu has stated that a woman constable has been sent to check on the girl’s condition. If the girl reveals that she had physical relations with her 20-year-old cousin, then the latter will be booked under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
As the girl is a Dalit, the police will file a case under Prevention of Atrocity Against SC/ST Act, if no one comes forward to file a complaint. The police took cognizance in the matter, after the video of the incident went viral.
Inspector Sainath has filed a case under Section 324 of IPC Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
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