The number of sexual harassment and rape cases is increasing in Haryana, but it seems the panchayats in the state are not much bothered.

In a recent incident, a panchayat in Bhagwanpur village of Yamunanagar district reportedly let off an accused in a “rape case” with the minimal punishment of “five shoe strikes”.

The incident occurred on March 25 when the 19-year-old victim, who belongs to a Dalit family, had gone to the field to collect fodder. It was then that Kala, her 22-year-old neighbour, allegedly raped her.

People gather outside the Bhagwanpur village where the incident took place

When the victim’s family approached the Ranjitpur police post, they were told to approach the village headman instead.

The panchayat convened a meeting where it was decided that the accused will receive “five shoe strikes” as a punishment.

The panchayat had concluded that the shoe strikes were enough as punishment for committing rape.

Mahipal, the village headman, said of the allegations: "A panchayat meeting was called, but it was to discuss a quarrel and not a rape case."

Sources said police personnel were present at the meeting when the ‘judgment’ was pronounced. However, police officials denied that any policemen were around during the panchayat session.

Most of the local residents are tight-lipped about the incident.

Mayaram, who lives in the village, said: “I cannot say whether it was a case of rape or just a quarrel. The accused man was slapped with shoes, I heard.”

Village headman Mahipal confirmed that a panchayat meeting was called, but it was “to discuss a quarrel and not a rape case”.

The case was “settled in the presence of two policemen,” Mahipal added.

On Wednesday, State Women’s Commission vice-chairperson Suman Dahiya visited the victim’s family. However, the victim did not divulge anything to Dahiya.

The family, it has been alleged, are under tremendous pressure from the panchayat to stay silent.

“The victim is not giving any statement. No medical examination has been conducted so far. She has now changed her statement,” Dahiya said.

Yamunanagar Superintendent of Police Arun Singh Nehra said the accused and the victim are relatives, and the alleged rape has not been confirmed.

“I don’t know who spread this rumour. The girl has not told anything to the Women’s Commission. She was neither raped nor eve-teased. Five officers, including the SDM, visited her and asked about the incident. When the girl is not saying anything then how can we say she was raped?” Nehra said.

Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Kavita Jain was not available to comment on the incident.

This is not the first incident of rape reported from the area. In December last year, an 80-year-old woman was allegedly raped in Yamunanagar's suburb Kalanaur. The police then arrested a 40-year-old man in the case.

In September, 2014, two sisters were beaten up by six men in the locality. In November, 2013, a minor was gang-raped by her neighbours.