GUWAHATI: Police Saturday arrested 19 residents of a village in Karimganj district of Assam on charges of stripping a widow and inserting chilli powder into her private parts as “punishment” for allegedly selling illicit liquor in the area.
The incident, which occurred in a tribal village along the Assam-Mizoram border on September 10, came to light after a video of the incident went viral on the social media.
Although the survivor filed a case at the Karimganj Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court, she did not name anybody. “Early that day, they entered my house after breaking open the door. They stripped and beat me up,” the woman said, identifying herself as a widow who lives with her in-laws.
Assam Director General of Police, Kuladhar Saikia said the woman was allegedly prevented from approaching the police. “We have picked up 19 people in two days. The main culprits will also be arrested soon,” he assured.
According to Karimganj Superintendent of Police Gaurav Upadhyay, the villagers had accused the woman of selling illicit liquor and indulging in “anti-social” activities. “But only an investigation can establish what exactly spurred this particular attack,” he said.
“Besides the attackers, police will also take action under the Information Technology Act against those who recorded the video and circulated it on the social media,” Mr Upadhyay added.
Eleven people were arrested in Biswanath district last month for allegedly killing a man and critically injuring three others on suspicion of cattle theft.
Agencies