NEW DELHI, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Amnesty International has condemned the gang-rape and public humiliation sentence of two Indian sisters given because their brother eloped with a married woman.
Meenakshi Kumari, 23, and her 15-year-old sister were sentenced by an unelected, all-male village council, known as a Khap Panchayat, to be raped and paraded naked around their village in the district of Baghpat within India's Uttar Pradesh state, Amnesty International said.
Kumari, her sister and her family fled the village fearing violence after the brother, 22, eloped with a married, upper-caste woman, 21, who was reportedly pregnant with his child. The family's house was ransacked and the eloped woman also faces possible violence.
The brother and the woman reportedly returned to the village due to pressure and threats on the family. The brother was apparently arrested in a narcotics case, which the family said is a false allegation and further harassment by the Uttar Pradesh police.
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Amnesty International has asked people to sign a petition urging several Indian politicians, including the Indian ambassador to the United States, Shri Arun Kumar Singh, to ensure the safety of all involved.
"Kumari filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking protection for her family so that they can return to their home. The family is also concerned for the safety of the Jat woman who eloped with her brother, who claims that she is pregnant with his child," the petition by Amnesty International reads. "Given this appalling situation, it is imperative that your government and the police: Take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Meenakshi Kumari, her sister, and the rest of their family, in accordance with their wishes, and ensure that they are able to return to their home."
More than 150,000 people have signed the petition, which also urges the government to "ensure the safety of the woman from the dominant caste family, and take necessary precautions to prevent any violence against her."
