An incident of alleged public humiliation and assault against a woman and her family over a temple entry dispute in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, has triggered widespread outrage after videos of the violence went viral on social media.
The incident reportedly took place in the Waghri Nagar area of Ulhasnagar in Thane district and involves members of two families from the same community.
Dispute Over Temple Entry Escalates
According to police and complaint details, a local caste panchayat had earlier allegedly barred a Rajput family from entering a temple in the area. Despite the restriction, a member of the family entered the temple premises during a religious programme and community gathering, which allegedly escalated tensions.
The entry reportedly angered members of the opposing group, leading to a confrontation that quickly turned violent.
House Attack and Assault on Women
Police said the accused first attacked the victim’s house with sticks and rods, targeting male members of the family. The violence allegedly escalated further when women from the family attempted to go to the police station to file a complaint.
The complainant, identified as Kanta Prem Rajput (50), along with other women in the family, was allegedly intercepted on the way.
The attackers allegedly dragged them onto the road, cut their hair, tore their clothes, and semi-stripped them in public. They were also allegedly paraded through the area with slipper garlands placed around their necks, while being forced to touch the feet of some accused.
Videos of the incident showing the women being assaulted in public, while bystanders recorded the scene, have since gone viral, intensifying public anger.
Police Action and Arrests
Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including charges related to assault, criminal intimidation, and unlawful assembly.
The accused include members of the Waghri community, such as Jyuli Waghri, Vinu Waghri, Pappi Waghri, Nitin Thorat, Rohit Waghri, Sonu alias Balu Waghri, Mahesh Waghri, and others.
According to police, three people have been arrested so far, while several others remain absconding. The investigation is ongoing.
Ulhasnagar police officials said both sides have filed complaints against each other, and past disputes between the families are also under examination.
Police Say Dispute Was Between Two Families
Senior Inspector Shankar Avtade of Ulhasnagar Central Police Station said the conflict arose between two families belonging to the same community over temple entry.
He said, “The relatives alleged that she had made insulting remarks about their deities. We are verifying the allegations. Cases have been registered from both sides.”
Ulhasnagar Assistant Commissioner of Police Shailesh Kale also confirmed that seven individuals have been booked in the case.
Police said that a separate FIR has also been registered based on complaints from both families, and CCTV footage and witness statements are being examined to establish the sequence of events.
