Advocate virginity test, face police action: Maharashtra minister Ranjit Patil

If you publicly advocate virginity test, the police department will suo motu lodge complaint against you and take action.

Minister of State for Home Ranjit Patil informed the state legislative council on Wednesday that the police have been directed in this regard take suo motu action. He added that directions have been sent to all police stations and a review on the matter will be done in three months.

Patil gave the assurance after Shiv Sena MLC Dr Neelam Gorhe raised the case of virginity tests conducted on brides before their wedding. She cited that such things are happening in the Kanjarbhat community and it is enforced by caste panchayats. Gorhe informed the House that in January several young men were beaten up in Pune’s Pimpri area for opposing this regressive practice.

Gorhe pointed out that such incidents are taking place despite the existence of the Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott Act 2016.

Patil, during his reply, said that the state would provide protection to those trying to reform regressive customs within the Kanjarbhat community.

He also said that the investigation by Pune police with respect to complaints of the January case of virginity tests is being conducted within the community.

WOMEN’S ISSUES

• Shiv Sena MLC Dr Neelam Gorhe raised the case of virginity tests conducted on brides before their wedding
   
• She cited that such things are happening in the Kanjarbhat community and it is enforced by caste panchayats