A preliminary inquiry by the National Commission for Women (NCW) revealed that no gang-rape of a minor girl took place during the recent Sammakka Saralamma Jatara. The NCW inquiry committee, led by member Delina Khongdup, visited Mulugu district in Telangana to investigate the allegations. They met with local officials and inspected the area where the alleged incident was reported.
The committee, after examining the site around the Medaram Jatara, confirmed that there was no gang-rape incident during the Jatara. A final report will be submitted to the NCW after receiving the police’s written report. The NCW initiated the inquiry following reports circulating in the media and social platforms about the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl during the tribal fair.
Media reports suggested the involvement of five youths from Chhattisgarh in the alleged gang rape. In response, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatka formed a committee, chaired by Khongdup, to investigate the matter. The committee, supported by senior coordinator Kanchan Khattar, aims to assess the circumstances, actions taken, and recommend preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
Thousands of devotees participated in the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, a significant tribal fair held at Medaram, attracting attendees from various states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh.
