Gujarat Woman Disrobed, Paraded By In-Laws Over Extramarital Affair; 12 Arrested

The Gujarat Police arrested 12 people after a woman was dragged, paraded half-naked on a road and beaten in Dhalsimal village in Dahod district on January 28 over allegations of an extra-marital affair.

The woman, whose husband is serving a prison term for murder, was caught up in the violent episode by her in-laws, who suspected her of having an affair with a villager.

A total of 12 people were arrested in connection with the case after a video of her ordeal went viral, said officials, adding that a search is underway to capture the other three accused.

A video of the incident that surfaced online showed her being paraded through the village, desperately pleading for mercy. However, the mob continued to torment her, dragging her along the road while she was still bound to a motorcycle.

“The victim’s in-laws, suspecting her of having an affair with a villager, led a mob of around 15 people, mostly from their family, who captured and paraded her through the town,” Dahod superintendent of police Rajdeepsinh Jhala said.

He added that the victim belongs to the Madari or Vadi community, a denotified tribe. She and her husband were daily wage labourers.

“Her husband is currently jailed in Rajkot for allegedly murdering a man from the Patidar community, whom he suspected of having an affair with his wife when they were working there in the past,” Jhala said.

The accused have been charged with kidnapping, illegal confinement, assault on a woman, harming her dignity, and violations under the Information Technology Act, reported Hindustan Times, citing officials.