"There is no place for such criminals in a civilised society."
Disturbing footage shows a Rajasthani woman being paraded naked by her husband and in-laws.
The incident is believed to have happened at the end of August 2023 in a village in the Pratapgarh district.
Footage showed the husband trying to rip off his wife’s clothes while she screams and pleads with him to stop.
Other people – believed to be the woman’s in-laws – are heard giving instructions while locals look on instead of intervening.
Another clip shows the same woman – now fully naked – in tears as she is forced to endure a humiliating walk through the street.
It is reported that the husband’s actions were due to his wife leaving him to live with another man.
It was also reported that the young woman was a few months pregnant.
The video circulated online and Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reacted to the incident.
He tweeted: “In Pratapgarh district, a video of a woman being stripped naked by her in-laws due to some family dispute has surfaced.
“The Director General of Police has been instructed to send ADG Crime on the spot and take strict action in this matter.
“There is no place for such criminals in a civilised society. These criminals will be put behind bars as soon as possible and punished after being prosecuted in a fast-track court.”
However, the BJP criticised Gehlot, with JP Nadda saying the state’s government is “totally absent”.
He said: “The video from Pratapgarh, Rajasthan is shocking. What is worse is governance in Rajasthan is totally absent.
“The CM and Ministers are busy settling factional squabbles, and the remaining time is spent appeasing one dynasty in Delhi. It’s no wonder the issue of women’s safety is being completely ignored in the state.
“Every single day, there is an instance of harassment against women. The people of Rajasthan will teach the state Government a lesson.”
Watch the Video. Warning – Disturbing Footage
Warning: Disturbing Visuals
This is not #Manipur, This is #Rajasthan.
A woman being #stripped, #molested and #harassed in public. But It won't create furore because it's Rajasthan.
In the last month alone, 118 rapes have been reported in Rajasthan. pic.twitter.com/gGv0Jypsx3
— RUP JYOTI HAZARIKA (Modi Ka Parivar) (@rjhazarikam) September 2, 2023
The National Commission for Women tweeted:
“NCW vehemently condemns the harrowing incident in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan.”
“A woman was molested, stripped, and recorded on video. Despite it happening two days ago, police inaction is unacceptable. @sharmarekha (NCW chairperson) has instructed the state’s DGP to promptly arrest the culprits and invoke necessary IPC provisions.
“We demand a comprehensive report within five days.”
The victim’s father said the perpetrators stole his daughter’s “dignity”.
Director-General of Police (DGP) Umesh Mishra said the Rajasthani woman’s in-laws kidnapped her from her lover’s house and took her to their village.
Seven people have since been arrested, including the woman’s husband.
The chief minister also met the victim, giving her Rs. 10 Lakh (£9,600) and reportedly offering her a government job.
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