Bareilly village panchayat allegedly settles minor rape case with marriage agreement

A village panchayat in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly pressured the families of a 16-year-old girl and an accused minor boy into a settlement following allegations of rape. The settlement reportedly included conducting 'roka' and 'tilak' engagement rituals, with the panchayat decreeing that the two would marry once the girl reaches the age of 18.

The victim's family had initially approached the police, alleging that the boy had sexually exploited the girl for approximately one year by threatening to circulate objectionable photographs online. Despite the community-led attempt to resolve the matter through traditional rituals and an amicable settlement, Sheeshgarh police have registered a formal case, sent the girl for a medical examination, and taken the accused into custody.

Legal experts and child rights advocates have noted that statutory child protection laws prohibit settling serious offenses involving minors through informal compromises.