Political leaders and activists have reacted with outrage and shock over reports of a 10-year-old girl being raped on the order of the village panchayat in Bokaro's Swang Gulgulia Dhoura village.
Renuka Chowdhury, former Union Minister of State for Ministry of Women and Child Development, expressed her anger at the shocking case.
She said, "The panchayat should immediately be dissolved. Strict action should be taken and financial support should be withdrawn. If they think they can get away with this in independent India, then it's very sad."
Sharad Yadav, leader of the Janata Dal (United) blasted the panchayat by saying, "This is a very shameful thing and a blot on Indian government and law and order. This issue will be raised in parliament. Laws should be made stringent. What rights do panchayat have? There are no such rights for them."
Congress leader Ambika Soni also said, "This retribution for a molestation attempt with rape of a 10-year-old by the panchayat is highly condemnable and would not be tolerated. The entire session condemned this."
The crime was reportedly carried out at the order of the village head, after the accused complained about the victim's brother allegedly trying to molest his wife.
