West Bengal horror: Mentally challenged tribal woman gang-raped, rod inserted in private parts

In a horrific incident, a 28-year-old mentally challenged tribal woman was gang-raped, following which an iron rod was thrust into her private parts, giving India chilling reminders of the December 16 Delhi gang-rape and murder incident.

The incident, which was reported from West Bengal’s Dinajpore district, took place early February 18 at the district’s Kushmundi area. The woman, who is in critical condition was first taken to Raiganj Hospital, but later shifted to Malda Medical College and Hospital when her condition deteriorated.

Police said that two people – Ramprabesh Sharma (45) and Andharu Burman (50) – have been arrested. “They had been produced at the court today and remanded in police custody for 11 days,” said Anuj Sharma, ADG (law and order). He said that police were investigating the matter and offenders would be given the strictest punishment.

It was found out that the victim, a resident of Kushmondi had been to a fair at the village on February 17 and was gang-raped near a field while she was returning. Police sources said that locals found her lying on the field and alerted the police.

Hospital sources said that she was brought in a critical condition and is still at the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of the hospital, but at present was stable condition and responding to treatment.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is touring Malda district visited the victim at Malda Medical College.

The victim had lost her parents over 10 years ago and had been living alone at her place. She had also been married a few years ago but owing to her mental ailment her husband had divorced her. She used to live on food given by neighbours.

BJP state leaders had demanded a thorough probe into the matter and alleged that the police were trying to hush the incident. “This is not the only incident on atrocities on women that had taken place in the district. There are several other instances but police try to sweep those under the carpet and on many occasions they dont even take a police complaint,” said a senior district BJP leader.