After a Dalit woman was stripped and paraded naked in Talegaon on Tuesday, Solapur District Collector Govindraj visited the village today and promised action against the culprits. The woman’s son was also beaten up by members of the liquor lobby, who had suspected that she had complained to the police about their illegal activities.
The victim, who stays with her paralytic father, mother, brother and son said she would not leave the village, but continue her fight against those involved in illegal activities. She and her family have been given police protection. ‘‘Though I am afraid of my life, I will not leave or migrate to another village. If I do so, it will be a victory for people who are involved in illegal activities in the village. I have lost my dignity, but I will fight my war,’’ she said.
She said she does not need any help, but wanted her dignity back. ‘‘They have made me naked in front of my son and all the villagers. I don’t want any help from the government, but only my lost respect,’’ she said.
State Minister for Home, Siddhram Mhetre said all the people involved in the incident would be punished. The issue also rocked the Assembly when members sought to adjourn the proceedings of the House. Speaker Babasaheb Kupekar directed the government to make a detailed statement in the House soon. All the suspects — nine persons— who were arrested by the police yesterday have been remanded to custody.