Maharashtra: Woman Beaten, Paraded Semi-Naked, Garlanded With Slippers Over Temple Entry Dispute in Ulhasnagar

Thane: An outrageous incident that brings shame to humanity has come to light in Ulhasnagar. Following an alleged decree by a caste council (Jat Panchayat), a family was banned from entering the community temple. However, it is alleged that when members of this family were spotted within the temple premises, a mob of 30 to 40 individuals attacked them in the middle of the street. Not stopping there, they placed a garland of slippers around a woman's neck and paraded her through the streets for a distance of 1.5 kilometers.

Intense outrage is being expressed across the locality after a video of this incident went viral on social media. The police have registered a case against seven individuals in connection with this matter, and two accused persons have been arrested. However, citizens have expressed anger over the fact that the police have invoked only sections related to assault and battery. Further investigation into this case is underway.

What led to the incident?

Families belonging to the Rajput and Vagheri communities reside in the vicinity of Vaghelanagar Chowk in Ulhasnagar-3. A few days ago, a community meeting was held. During this meeting, a Rajput family was accused of alleged misconduct and was subsequently banned from entering the community temple.

However, despite the ban, the mob became enraged when a member of the concerned family was spotted within the temple premises. It is alleged that the family was then intercepted and subjected to a physical assault.

When Was the Victim Assaulted?

On the morning of May 14, the complainant—accompanied by her sister, Geeta Rajput, and her daughter, Anjali—was on her way to the Central Police Station to file a complaint. At that time, the accused individuals intercepted them in the vicinity of the 'Tarun Mitra Mandal' area. According to the complainant's statement, one of the accused, Nitin Thorat, struck her on the head with a wooden stick. The other accused individuals subjected her to a brutal beating. The women accompanying her were also physically assaulted.

According to the complaint, the accused—Julie Waghari and Vinu Waghari—cut the woman's hair. Furthermore, a garland of slippers was placed around her neck, and she was paraded through the middle of the street. It is alleged that this humiliating procession continued for approximately 1.5 kilometers. The incident has caused a statewide sensation after a video of the event went viral on social media.

How Many Accused Have Been Arrested?

In connection with this matter, a case has been registered against seven individuals under various sections at the Central Police Station. Two of the accused have been arrested, while a search for the remaining accused is currently underway. Initially, the police had registered a case solely regarding the physical assault; this move drew widespread outrage. However, the police have indicated that additional legal sections are likely to be invoked in light of the grave allegations involved—specifically, parading the woman, cutting her hair, and subjecting her to public humiliation.