Widow paraded naked for entering temple

DHANBAD: A temple is said to be an abode of gods and the entry there is not "supposed to be restricted to anyone. But residents of a Dhanbad village" clearly did not think that should be the case.

A middle-aged widow from a backward community was paraded naked on the streets in Ranwatand village, 35 km from Dhanbad, on Thursday because she had entered the village temple. Kalawati was meted out the punishment as the villagers felt "a widow has no right to enter a temple". She had also reportedly put vermilion on her forehead too, which was objected by village women.

The villagers held a "people's court" and decided to punish her.

The widow has named Jagannath Mahto, Sukhdeo Mahto, Sukar Mahto, Kailash Mahto, Bhola Mahto in the FIR and said they alongwith about 200 people prevented her from entering the temple, stripped her, put shoes around her neck and paraded her on village streets. They were shouting slogans alleging she practised witchcraft and was responsible for the outbreak of chicken pox in the village. The villagers alleged that Kalawati's "black magic" caused the death of a woman last week.

Kalawati alleged some people in the mob also tried to force-feed human excreta to her. They did not succeed in their attempt, though.
No one has been arrested so far.