Shameful: Panchayat lets off 3-year-old girl’s rapist for ₹1 lakh; holds liquor and chicken feast with ₹20,000

Ranchi: A shocking incident has emerged from Jharkhand’s Gumla district that raises serious questions about both humanity and the administrative system. Following the rape of an innocent three-year-old girl, a village panchayat (council) was convened instead of informing the police. It is alleged that the panchayat attempted to settle the matter locally by imposing a fine of ₹1 lakh on the accused. Furthermore, some individuals used ₹20,000 collected from the accused on the spot to host a feast featuring alcohol and meat. The matter came to light when a villager informed the police. Upon receiving the information, the Ghaghra police arrived at the village, arrested the accused, and registered an FIR based on the victim’s mother’s statement.

The incident reportedly took place in Palma village under the jurisdiction of the Ghaghra police station. The police are now investigating not only the role of the accused but also the actions of those who tried to suppress the matter. Ghaghra Station House Officer (SHO) Mohan Kumar stated that the police had received information that an attempt was being made to hush up the grave crime against the three-year-old girl through a village panchayat. The family had been unable to approach the police station due to pressure from influential villagers. Taking the information seriously, a police team immediately visited the village. They recorded the victim’s mother’s statement and, based on it, registered a case against the accused, Sunil Lohra, and arrested him. The police emphasize that sexual crimes against children fall under a very serious category; in such cases, any form of compromise or panchayat decision is not legally valid.

Told the mother, “Give the child to me,” then took her into the room
According to the police, the incident occurred around 4 PM. The accused, Sunil Lohra, arrived at the victim’s house, where the child was with her mother. It is alleged that he told the woman he would look after the child so she could attend to her chores. After gaining her trust, he took the child into a room. A short while later, the mother rushed to the spot upon hearing the child crying. It is alleged that the girl was critically injured. Subsequently, the family suspected sexual assault, causing a stir in the village. Instead of immediately informing the police, the matter was brought to the attention of certain villagers. It is alleged that some Panchayat members planned to resolve the issue within the village itself. Reports indicate that the girl was initially taken to a private doctor. A Panchayat meeting was held on Sunday, during which a decision was allegedly made to impose a fine of ₹1 lakh on the accused. According to sources, the accused paid ₹20,000 on the spot and was directed to deposit the remaining ₹80,000 within a week.

Party Held Using the Fine Money
The most shocking aspect of the case is that the ₹20,000 collected from the accused was used to host a party involving alcohol and meat in the village. Local sources state that some individuals were celebrating using these funds following the Panchayat’s decision. It was during this time that the police arrived in the village, bringing the entire matter to light. The police arrested the accused at the scene. Subsequently, the victim’s mother’s statement was recorded, and legal proceedings were initiated. Police officials noted that had an alert villager not provided a tip-off, the matter might well have been suppressed under the Panchayat’s decision. This information served as the basis for the police to uncover the entire case. The police acted promptly, reaching the village and taking the accused into custody. They are now investigating who pressured the victim’s family and attempted to interfere with the legal process.

Panchayat’s Role Also Under Scrutiny
The police are now investigating who convened the Panchayat meeting, who participated in it, and on what grounds a decision to impose a monetary fine for such a serious crime was reached. If the investigation reveals that anyone deliberately attempted to conceal the crime, pressure the victim’s family, or tamper with evidence, legal action may be taken against them as well.

Mukhiya Says He Was Unaware of the Meeting
Lodo Ekka, the Mukhiya of Arangi Panchayat, stated that he had no prior information about the meeting held in Palma village. He said he only learned of the meeting when the police arrived in the village and the matter came to light. He has distanced himself from the entire Panchayat proceeding. Legal experts state that any form of social settlement, Panchayat ruling, or financial transaction regarding sexual offenses against children is unacceptable in the eyes of the law.