A woman in Begusarai, Bihar, has accused a village panchayat of publicly humiliating her after she was raped by her neighbour, police said. The woman alleged that the panchayat held her responsible for the assault and subjected her to public humiliation, according to reports. Police have registered an FIR in the case and arrested one person.
Begusarai Deputy Superintendent of Police Nikhil Kumar said one person was arrested on Sunday, while raids were under way to arrest the main accused, who allegedly raped the woman. The identity of the arrested individual and the main accused have not been disclosed.
The incident has drawn attention to the role of informal village councils in Bihar, which sometimes intervene in criminal matters. The woman's allegations indicate that the panchayat took the side of the accused and blamed her for the rape.
Police are continuing their investigation, and further arrests are expected. The case highlights ongoing concerns about how survivors of sexual violence are treated in some rural areas, where local bodies may pressure victims rather than support them.