Family suicide after panchayat diktat

Mangalore Today News Network

Rajasthan, April 23: In another shocking case of the autocratic and unreasonable diktats by community panchayats, an order by a community panchayat that a man pay Rs 71,000 to the panchayat for allegedly committing adultery had tragic consequences in Rajasthan.

The accused and his entire family alongwith his so called paramour committed suicide by jumping in front of a train in Karauli district.

In his suicide note, the man claimed that he was taking this step because of ostracism by the community panchayat and his inability to pay the money demanded by them.

Six-year-old Mona is too young to understand her life has changed forever. She was part of the suicide pact that killed her father, mother, brother and sister, but Mona survived even as they all jumped before a running train.

Gajendra, 36, was accused by the community panchayat of having an affair with his neighbour’s wife. The panchayat gave unanimous verdict that Gajendra pay Rs 71,000 to the panchayat or else face ostracism. Unable to bear the social pressure and with no money to pay up, Gajendra alongwith his wife, two children and his alleged paramour all committed suicide.

Bhupendra Singh, Gajendra’s brother says, "He has lost his life only because of the caste pressure. The panchayat leaders said we have to pay up in front of a Panchayat of all 18 Jat villages in our area. Otherwise they said, they won’t allow any social dealings with families of all of our 4 brothers."
 

The police were at the spot where the panchayat announced its draconian diktat four days ago. Although caste panchayats like these have been declared illegal and there’s a court order which asks the government to launch criminal proceedings against them. However, in many parts of Rajasthan they continue to function with impunity.

Maman Singh, Additional SP Karauli says, "We have registered a case and rounded up a few people. As soon as we complete our investigation, we will arrest those who are accused in this case."

Gajendra’s suicide note is now with the police but the panchayat leaders whom he has held responsible for his suicide in that note are now all absconding.

Courtesy- Ndtv