Jaipur/Udaipur: Police in Rajasthan’s Banswara district have arrested seven people, including the victim’s husband, after a tribal woman was allegedly assaulted, stripped and had her head shaved in public in Anjana village on Sept 1. The arrests were made late Thursday night after videos of the incident circulated on social media and triggered widespread outrage.Police said the assault was allegedly instigated by the husband, Gopal Khat (38), and carried out with the help of his relatives. The family allegedly accused the woman of leaving home 10 days earlier with a young man from a nearby village, after which they went to the youth’s house and brought her back.The woman told police she accompanied the man for labour work. In her complaint, she alleged her husband and his relatives beat her, cut her hair, tore her clothes and publicly humiliated her, seeking action against all those involved.According to police, an altercation began after she returned home, following which Gopal allegedly dragged her onto the road. Relatives allegedly joined the attack, beating her with sticks and tearing her clothes, while bystanders recorded videos instead of intervening.Superintendent of Police Sudhir Joshi said an FIR was registered after the victim approached Arthuna police station on Sept 2. Anjana police station SHO Vinod Kumar Meena said the woman has undergone a medical examination and her statement has been recorded. She is currently staying at her father’s home, he added.Those arrested are Gopal Khat and his six relatives: Goru (59), Naresh (48), Yogesh (30), Gattu (46), Moga (60) and Rahul (28). Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest others who may have participated, including women family members, and footage is being examined for additional suspects.The incident has drawn severe condemnation from various quarters. Former state women commission chairperson Rehana Riyaz condemned the incident and demanded strict action against those responsible.
