Jharkhand panchayat's rape diktat raised in Rajya Sabha

The diktat of a panchayat in Jharkhand to rape a minor was raised in the Rajya Sabha Friday, as the entire house demanded strict action against the guilty.

Raising the issue during zero hour, Prabhat Jha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called the incident a blot on humanity and shame on the nation.

The entire house across party lines joined Jha in expressing concern over the issue, and demanded action against all those guilty.

"It is not about any government, it's an issue of human sensitivity. Not a single person spoke as a 10-year-old girl was raped. The police said there is no evidence," Jha said, raising the issue in the upper house.

A minor was raped in Jharkhand allegedly on the panchayat's diktat after her brother was accused of molesting and trying to rape a woman. The act was committed at Gulgulia village, located about 60 km from Bokaro Monday.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "I think the entire village and the police should be held responsible. We passed a legislation last year, what happened to it? What is the use when it's not implemented?"

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien shared the concern of the members and said the government should "inquire about the issue and come back to the house".

"Also if such a crime has happened, serious action should be taken," Kurien said.

As per police, the girl's brother allegedly molested the woman Sunday night and the issue was taken to the village panchayat Monday.

The minor's mother lodged a complaint and the accused was arrested.