Maharashtra: Jail awaits those who propagate virginity test
The uber-patriarchal custom of having young brides tested for virginity in the Kanjarbhat community has attracted attention of the state government, which has directed the Maharashtra police to take action on suo motu basis. Minister of state for home Ranjit Patil has assured the State Council that action will be taken against the caste panchayats who propagate this and also interfere in rape cases.
'Not a single marriage happens without this test'
A white sheet is given to the newlyweds to use during intercourse. The husband is asked thrice if the woman is a virgin, failing which she is given a harsh punishment and her virginity is investigated. "There is not a single marriage that happens without this", said an activist, who belongs to this tribe. She said she would not allow panchayat to test hers.
Not too far away from Pune, lives the Kanjarbhat tribe
"Such incidents take place despite the existence of the Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott Act 2016," said Neelam Gorhe, Shiv Sena's MLC who raised this issue at the council. The nomadic Kanjarbhat tribe, which reside not very far from Pune, have been practising this since ages. It is only now that both men and women of the tribe have started protesting.
Protest within community is getting stronger by the day
In December last year, youths from the community started a WhatsApp group titled 'Stop the V-ritual', even as three youths were thrashed in January this year for starting an anti-patriarchy campaign against the tribe. Just a few days ago, a government employee belonging to this tribe was attacked for raising objection to this ritual. However, the voice is getting stronger day by day.
