MINOR BRUTALLY GANG-RAPED; PANCHAYAT OFFERS RS 80,000 AS COMPENSATION TO VICTIM'S FAMILY

In a shocking incident from Uttar Pradesh, a village panchayat allegedly tried to force a minor gang-rape victim's family to accept a monetary sum of Rs. 80,000 from the accused.

A 14-year-old minor girl was gang-raped by four youths in Aligarh district. A village panchayat was convened after the girl's family informed the villagers of this act. However, instead of punishing the accused, the panchayat asked the accused to pay Rs.80,000 as compensation to settle the case.

The victim's brother, however, refused to accept it and approached the police. An FIR was then filed in the case and three of the accused were arrested under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act.

According to police, the 14-year-old minor was caught and dragged by the four men to an isolated place on last Wednesday evening when she stepped out to relieve herself. According to a Times of India report, the four accused have been identified as Lalit Kumar, Chetan, Vikas and Lakhan.

When the victim's brother refused to accept the compensation, he was barred from stepping out of the village. "After trying for almost an entire day, I managed to step out and reach the local police station on Saturday night," her brother said.

Three of the accused have been arrested, while Chetan is still absconding.