Tribal Woman Paraded & Assaulted: 12 Arrested in Gujarat

In a shocking case of brutality, a tribal woman was stripped, tied to a motorcycle, and paraded through Dhalsimal village in Gujarat’s Dahod district. The police have arrested 12 individuals, including four women and four minors, in connection with the incident. Authorities are still searching for three more suspects who remain at large.

The Incident

According to Dahod Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajdeepsinh Jhala, the incident took place when a group of 15-20 individuals, including women and children, abducted the victim. The perpetrators filmed the assault and shared the video on social media, bringing the incident to the attention of the authorities. Police acted swiftly, locating and rescuing the woman from illegal confinement at her in-laws’ residence.

Arrests and Investigation

So far, 12 individuals have been arrested:

• Four women and four minors, who have been taken into judicial custody.
• Four male suspects, currently under police interrogation.
• Three suspects – one man, one woman, and one minor – remain absconding.

The arrested minors have appeared before the Juvenile Justice Board, while the adult women have been placed under judicial custody. Law enforcement is actively pursuing the remaining suspects and gathering further evidence.

Background and Possible Motive

The victim's husband is reportedly in prison for murder. She had been living with her in-laws but left due to family disputes. Sources suggest she developed a relationship with a man from her husband’s village and had been residing with him for the past three months. When her brother-in-law discovered the relationship, tensions escalated, leading to the brutal assault.

While polygamy is accepted in some tribal communities in Gujarat, relationships within the same caste, tribe, or gotra are often considered taboo. Such cases have been reported before, reflecting deep-rooted social prejudices and rigid community norms.

Past Incidents and Social Concerns

This is not the first time such brutality has occurred in Gujarat. In May 2022, a similar case was reported in Margala village, where another woman was subjected to public humiliation for an alleged extramarital affair. These incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger legal interventions and social awareness campaigns to prevent such acts of violence.

Ongoing Police Action

Authorities have assured a thorough investigation, with efforts focused on arresting the remaining accused. SP Rajdeepsinh Jhala emphasized that strict action will be taken against those responsible. The case has sparked public outrage, with demands for justice and stricter measures to prevent such crimes in the future.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident has reignited discussions on women’s safety, social customs, and law enforcement in tribal communities. The police continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that all culprits are brought to justice.