“Five slaps and Rs 15,000 fine”: Agra cleric’s controversial judgment on Minor’s sexual assault sparks outrage

A troubling case has surfaced in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, where a cleric attempted to resolve a case of sexual assault involving a minor with an unusually lenient punishment. The cleric reportedly ordered the accused to receive only five slaps and pay a fine of 15,000 rupees for sexually assaulting a minor. This decision, captured on video, has ignited outrage and led to a police investigation.

On the evening of July 25, a minor girl from Bhogipura in Shahganj, Agra, went missing, prompting her family to report her disappearance to the local police around 9 p.m. They accused a local Muslim youth of luring her away. Following the complaint, the police launched an investigation. However, community leaders, including the cleric, intervened and assured the police that they would locate the girl themselves.

Under pressure from the cleric and other community members, the victim’s family withdrew their complaint, citing concerns for their family’s honour. Consequently, the police halted their search for the girl.

Approximately five hours later, the girl was returned by some individuals, and a panchayat was convened in a local home to resolve the issue.

During the panchayat, the cleric was present to deliver the verdict. The victim accused a man of abducting her, drugging her with a substance mixed in a cold drink, and subsequently raping her. Despite these serious allegations, the cleric’s ruling was notably lenient: the accused was to receive five slaps and pay a 15,000-rupee fine.

This decision, soon captured on video and widely shared on social media, has led to significant public outrage.

The viral video shows the cleric and five other panchayat members administering the punishment. Since the video’s release, all six individuals have reportedly gone missing. The lenient verdict has been condemned as a gross miscarriage of justice, given the severity of the crime. The public and the victim’s family are calling for stringent legal action against those involved.

ACP Mayank Tiwari of Lohamandi stated that the police are now investigating the matter in depth. Although a formal complaint was not initially filed, the viral video has prompted the authorities to act. The police have now registered serious charges against the individuals involved and have begun further legal proceedings.