A 27-year-old Chenchu tribal woman in Nagarkurnool district was allegedly kidnapped, confined, and tortured by her own family members and a tenant farmer after she refused to work in their field.
The case was brought to police’s attention by local residents. Rescued after 12 days, the woman allegedly endured severe torture, including burns, beatings, and having chili powder mixed with oil smeared on her body.
Four individuals have been arrested, including the woman’s elder sister, her husband, a tenant farmer named Venkatesh and his wife.
According to The Times of India, the woman’s family had leased their land to Venkatesh, and she and her husband worked as daily wagers there. She allegedly refused to continue working and fled to escape the pressure, but Venkatesh allegedly found and confined her, subjecting her to brutal torture. Her sister reportedly joined him in the crime owing to differences with the victim over a family dispute.
Police have invoked sections pertaining to sexual assault, outraging the modesty of a woman, attempted murder, and violations under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against the accused.
The Times of India also reported that doctors have indicated the woman has sustained multiple injuries and is in a state of shock.
NDTV reported that Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka visited the woman in hospital on Monday and assured her that the government would cover all medical expenses.
Additionally, the state government has promised to provide the woman with a home if she lacks one, education for her three children, and land for farming.
Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao also pledged Rs 2 lakh as financial assistance to her, as reported by NDTV.