The Balurghat police on Monday rescued Basanti Debnath, a resident of Chakram village in South Dinajpur after a group of villagers arranged for a panchayat meeting (Salishi) in the village to insult an alleged case of adultery between the woman and Uttam Debnath, both residents of the same village.
Apparently, after noticing threat to the woman, the villagers informed the police about the meeting. The Balurghat police led by a Sub-inspector rushed to the spot and tried to stop the meeting.
The group of villagers on the other hand went on to interrupt the police and restricted them entering the village for half an hour by creating barricades.
Later, the Inspector in charge of Balurghat police station, Sanjoy Ghosh came to the spot and took the situation under control. Police have arrested seven and have seized three motorcycles from the spot.
The accused, Uttam Debnath is absconding since morning, it is learnt. “A group of villagers yesterday had spread a rumour in the village that Uttam Debnath has an illicit relation with a lady. Some of the villagers subsequently decided to arrange a ‘Salishi’ in the village to solve the matter in the presence of every villager. But we knew that they had plans to humiliate the lady. So, we informed the police to save her,” said a villager.
Mrs Debnath, on the other hand, claimed that it as a planned rumor against her. “They want to grab my property. We do not have any relation and I do not even who he is. Some of the villagers are trying to insult me. Police saved me on Monday,” said the lady.
The Inspector in Charge of Balurghat police station, Sanjoy Ghosh said, “Some of the villagers were trying to interrupt the police and they delayed our van for half an hour. We have successfully rescued the lady and have arrested seven villagers in connection with the case.”