Chicago – December 27, 2023
Earlier this month, a woman was stripped naked and paraded through India, causing controversy. It’s a depressingly typical headline, but legal experts and gender rights advocates say the law is still unprepared to deal with such horrible crimes against women.
She was being punished because her 24-year-old son had eloped with his 18-year-old girlfriend in Hosa Vantamuri village in Belagavi district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
The 42-year-old was pulled out, stripped naked, paraded around the village, chained to an electricity pole, and beaten for hours.
After receiving a tip, the police arrived in the village about 4 a.m., rescued Sasikala, and transported her to the hospital. Her spouse later informed a visiting state minister, “My wife and I had no idea about the relationship.”
This incident made national news, and authorities took notice. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah labeled it an “inhuman act” and promised her justice.
Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Prasanna Varale and Justice MGS Kamal, who summoned the police and opened a hearing on their own, stated they were “shocked” that such an act could occur in modern India.
However, the incidence in Belagavi is not unusual, and other such incidents have grabbed headlines in India in recent years.
