Rajasthan: Tribal woman mercilessly assaulted, tonsured, paraded nude

Jaipur: A 40-year-old tribal woman was allegedly stripped, beaten and forcibly tonsured in public by her husband and relatives in Rajasthan’s Banswara district over accusations of an extramarital relationship, triggering outrage and political condemnation.

The incident took place on September 1 in Anjana village, with a video of the assault going viral on Friday. The footage reportedly shows several women tearing the victim’s clothes and beating her with sticks as men and other bystanders watch and record the humiliation on mobile phones. Children were also among those witnessing the incident.

According to police, the woman had travelled to a neighbouring state for work. Her husband allegedly brought her back after accusing her of being involved in another relationship. She was reportedly made to walk barefoot through the middle of the road before being assaulted and having her head shaved.

Banswara Deputy Superintendent of Police Babu Lal Reger said seven people, including the woman’s husband and six relatives, have been arrested. Police are continuing efforts to identify others who allegedly participated in the attack.

The incident has also drawn criticism over an alleged delay in registering the case, with questions raised about police demanding stronger evidence before proceeding against the accused. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have condemned the assault and demanded action.

Police said an FIR was registered on the day of the incident under provisions concerning an attack intended to humiliate the woman’s dignity, unlawful assembly and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. The brutal public humiliation has intensified concerns over violence against tribal women and the misuse of social accusations to subject them to collective abuse.