The National Commission for Women on Friday asked the state government to ensure that the case of a Muslim woman allegedly raped by her father-in-law in Uttar Pradesh is tried in a court of law.
The accused, 60-year-old Mohammed Ali, allegedly raped his daughter-in-law at gunpoint.
Soon after word of the rape spread, the local panchayat ruled the woman's marriage with her husband null and void and directed that she marry her father-in-law.
The police, meanwhile, arrested Ali.
Speaking about the incident, NCW chairperson, Girija Vyas said, "I have full faith in Islam. It does not permit such atrocities on women. However, the matter was tried in the local panchayat. We are demanding that the case be tried in court."
After the alleged rape, the local panchayat citing Shariat laws had ordered the woman to treat her own husband as her son.
The NCW has asked the government to submit a report on the incident and was waiting for it, Vyas said.
"Often common people are unaware about laws and sometimes even victims change their statement under duress. Keeping all these factors in mind, we are hoping that the case will be brought before the court.
NCW sources, meanwhile said the commission was trying to secure an economic package for the victim so that no matter what the judgment, she should be able to stand on her own feet, keeping in mind the fact that she is the mother of five children.
