Jamaat Committee members held for tonsuring woman

Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, Apr 1 (UNI) A 55-year-old Muslim woman was forcibly tonsured by nine members of a local Jamaat committee after she refused to obey the verdict of a 'Katta Panchayat' (Kangaroo court) at V Kalathur village of this district.

The police has arrested seven members of the Jamaat committee in the case, and a search was on for two others, who were stated to be absconding.

The incident which took place last month came to light yesterday when the victim's son, Sathakkathullah, who had recently returned from abroad, complained to the District Superintendent of Police (DSP) R Samuthirapandi about the matter.

The woman, Mumtaj Begum, had been directed by the Jamaat committee to keep a watch on her daughter Manzoora who had been reportedly abused and fined Rs 5000 earlier on the basis of her husband Zaheer Hussain's allegations of infidelity. Hussain complained about Manzoora again and Mumtaj was summoned and punished for failing to obey orders.

Charges against all nine accused, including Panchayat president Mohammed Ismail, were framed under Sec 147 (unlawful assembly), 384 (extortion), 354 (outraging modesty of women), 355 (ill treatment), 506 (ii) of IPC and Sec 2 of Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.

Police pickets have been posted in the village as a precaution.

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