Seven supporters of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the ruling party in Kerala, were arrested for allegedly attacking a woman who was four months pregnant, which led to the forcible abortion of the child.
The horrific incident reportedly happened two weeks ago on 28 January in Thamarassery in Kozhikode district of Kerala.
The woman, whom NDTV identified as Josana Sibby, was trying to intervene in a tussle between her husband and some men at her house, one of whom is a local leader of the party. One of the men kicked the woman in the stomach.
According to reports, the woman, who is between 28 and 30, started bleeding profusely. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment where she had to undergo a forced abortion.
A case against the CPI(M) workers was filed on 2 February. One of the accused was arrested on 8 February.
The family alleges that members of the party are issuing threats to withdraw the case. The woman also has five-year-old son.