Shocking Vigilante Justice: Women in Odisha Take Matters into Their Own Hands

Tragic Incident in Gajapati District

Gajapati: In a disturbing turn of events, a group of women in Odisha's Gajapati district has been implicated in the murder of a 60-year-old man, who they allege had sexually assaulted them over an extended period. Authorities reported the incident on Monday.

Following the revelation, police apprehended ten individuals, including eight women, linked to the case.

The man was reported missing by his family, prompting a police investigation.

"We discovered that the individual had been killed and his remains were subsequently incinerated," stated Basant Sethi, the officer-in-charge at Mohana police station.

Investigators found the man's bones and ashes on a hillock near a forest, approximately two kilometers from the village.

Among those arrested is a local ward member, as the police continue their inquiries.

The incident unfolded on the night of June 3, after the man allegedly raped a 52-year-old widow in the village. Following this, several women, including previous victims, convened and resolved to take action against him.

"They approached his residence while he was asleep, and the widow, with assistance from other survivors, fatally attacked him. Two men also aided the women," Sethi explained.

The accused had lost his wife four years prior and had reportedly assaulted numerous women in the village since then.

"At least six of the detained women admitted to being victims of his sexual misconduct," Sethi noted, emphasizing their decision to end the cycle of abuse.

Gajapati Superintendent of Police Jatindra Kumar Panda remarked, "The women had never sought assistance from law enforcement or filed any complaints against the deceased."