Panchayat orders rape accused be beaten up by shoes

A Haryana panchayat has handed down a shocking verdict to two rape accused cousin brothers, ordering that they be hit by shoes five times in public and submit a paltry fine of Rs 50,000.
However, enraged by the village elders' dictate, the family of the 15-year-old decided to knock the doors of the police which took cognisance of the case.
The incident occurred on May 12 in Zakopur village when the 15-year-old girl had gone to a neighbour's house to fill water from their hand pump, Investigation Officer (IO) Assistant Sub Inspector Sumitra said.
The two accused Munfat and Jabid dragged and raped the victim. They even threatened to kill her if she divulged the incident to anybody, she said.

The girl, however, informed her family who took up the matter with the duo's family, following which a panchayat was called to settle the matter.
According to the victim's uncle, the panchayat allegedly tried to hush the incident and ordered that the accused pay Rs 50,000 as fine and that both of them should be thrashed with shoes five times each.
The IO said the victim's family refused to accept the panchayat verdict and filed a complaint with the police.
A case has been registered yesterday in this connection, the police officer said, adding further investigation is on.