Crime: Suspected sexual relations

January 2006

Doli Bibi, a mother of three from Gakundi village of Rajdharpara in Behrampore, went on a trip to Rajasthan with her brother. Back home, she had to face a social boycott as the villagers were under the impression that she had an illicit relation with the "so-called brother". Village chieftains held a meeting over "her trip with her paramour" and ostracised her family for three weeks. RSP leader Mr Sasthipada Mondal presided over the meeting while Congress-backed Independent MLA of Hariharpara, Mr Niyamat Sheikh, pronounced the "verdict" of caning. And the BDO, Behrampore, Mr Nimai Chandra Haldar, "congratulated the judge for delivering the exemplary punishment".

For more information, see http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=6&id=131973&usrsess=1