Jharkhand panchayat covers up rape of 3-year-old; throws party with Rs 20,000 fine from suspect
A village panchayat in Jharkhand attempted to cover up the rape of a 3-year-old child by imposing a Rs 1 lakh fine on the accused and used the collected money for a celebratory party with alcohol
In a disturbing incident in Gumla district, Jharkhand, a village panchayat in Palma attempted to cover up the rape of a 3-year-old child by imposing a Rs 1 lakh fine on the 18-year-old accused, Sunil Lohara, who paid Rs 20,000 on the spot and used the collected money for a celebratory party with alcohol. The crime occurred on Saturday when Lohara allegedly lured the child to his room while the mother was working, subsequently injuring the child severely, who was later found bleeding and crying. Villagers, including panchayat members, sought to resolve the matter internally instead of reporting it to the Ghaghra police, who were alerted by an external source on Sunday, leading to Lohara's arrest during the party. While the victim's mother provided a statement for an FIR, the panchayat head claims ignorance of the meeting, and no action has yet been taken against panchayat members pending formal complaints.
In a disturbing incident in Gumla district, Jharkhand, a village panchayat in Palma attempted to cover up the rape of a 3-year-old child by imposing a Rs 1 lakh fine on the 18-year-old accused, Sunil Lohara, who paid Rs 20,000 on the spot and used the collected money for a celebratory party with alcohol. The crime occurred on Saturday when Lohara allegedly lured the child to his room while the mother was working, subsequently injuring the child severely, who was later found bleeding and crying. Villagers, including panchayat members, sought to resolve the matter internally instead of reporting it to the Ghaghra police, who were alerted by an external source on Sunday, leading to Lohara's arrest during the party. While the victim's mother provided a statement for an FIR, the panchayat head claims ignorance of the meeting, and no action has yet been taken against panchayat members pending formal complaints.
In a disturbing incident in Gumla district, Jharkhand, a village panchayat in Palma attempted to cover up the rape of a 3-year-old child by imposing a Rs 1 lakh fine on the 18-year-old accused, Sunil Lohara, who paid Rs 20,000 on the spot and used the collected money for a celebratory party with alcohol. The crime occurred on Saturday when Lohara allegedly lured the child to his room while the mother was working, subsequently injuring the child severely, who was later found bleeding and crying. Villagers, including panchayat members, sought to resolve the matter internally instead of reporting it to the Ghaghra police, who were alerted by an external source on Sunday, leading to Lohara's arrest during the party. While the victim's mother provided a statement for an FIR, the panchayat head claims ignorance of the meeting, and no action has yet been taken against panchayat members pending formal complaints.
In a disturbing case, a panchayat in Gumla district, Jharkhand, attempted to cover up the rape of a 3-year-old child by letting the suspect go after giving him a fine.
The incident took place in Palma village, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Ghaghra police station.
According to Station in-charge Mohan Kumar, the villagers attempted to cover up the brutal crime that took place by dealing with it in a panchayat meeting.
Police said that the incident occurred on Saturday at around 4 pm after the accused, 18-year-old Sunil Lohara, went to the victim's home. Lohara reportedly told the mother 'You do your work, I will take care of the girl.'
After gaining the child’s trust her reportedly took the girl to his room. After some time, the mother heard the child crying and found that she was seriously injured and covered in blood. The village council and members reacted to the rape by convening the panchayat on Sunday. Police say that some of the panchayat members wanted to settle the matter within the village and prevent it from reaching the police.
The victim was taken to a private doctor, and the panchayat members decided to impose a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the accused.
Sources say the accused paid 20,000 on the spot and was asked to pay the remaining 80,000 rupees within the week.
The cash received from the accused was then reportedly used to throw a party with alcohol.
The Ghagra police went to the village after being tipped off by an influential person on Sunday and registered an FIR based on the statement of the victim’s mother.
The suspect was arrested while he was celebrating the party, which was held with the cash he had paid.
The Panchayat head Lodo Ekka said that he was unaware that the panchayat meeting was held in the village. He said that he learned of the matter only when the police came and arrested the accused.
Officer Kumar stated that no complaint has been received against the Panchayat members. Action will be taken against them after they receive a complaint.