Bareilly: Panchayat Allegedly Pressures Minor Rape Survivor’s Family Into Marriage Settlement

A village panchayat in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly allegedly pressured the families of a 16-year-old girl and a minor boy accused of rape into a settlement, including a decision to marry the two after the girl turns 18. The girl's family initially approached the police with allegations that the boy had sexually exploited her for nearly a year after threatening to circulate her objectionable photographs online. Police have registered a case based on the initial complaint, sent the girl for a medical examination and taken the accused into custody.

The case has brought the role of the village panchayat and the pressure placed on the two families under scrutiny, while the police investigation based on the original complaint is underway Hindustan reported. Legal experts and child rights advocates emphasise that serious offences involving minors cannot be settled through informal compromises, as statutory child protection laws strictly govern such violations. UP: Man Rapes Girlfriend, Kills Her at Firozabad Hotel After Taking S*xual Stimulant Drug.

Panchayat Decides on Marriage After Girl Turns 18

According to the report, a village panchayat was convened after the girl's family approached the police. It is alleged that both families were pressured to settle the matter without legal action.

On Monday, a roka and tilak ceremony was also held, with the panchayat deciding that the girl would be married to the accused after she becomes an adult. Hathras Rape Horror: Drunk Son S*xually Assaults Elderly Mother; Arrested.

Members of both families later told India Today that they wanted to settle the matter. A member of the accused boy's family said the two had an issue earlier but claimed it was later resolved.

The family member said the boy and girl were both minors and that the marriage would take place after they become eligible to marry. The family also said the tilak and engagement-related rituals had taken place in the presence of villagers.

Mother Approaches Police After Year-Long Alleged Exploitation

The girl's mother told police that around a year ago, a boy from the same village took objectionable photographs of her 16-year-old daughter after threatening her.

According to the complaint, the accused threatened to make the photographs public and continued to sexually exploit the girl for nearly a year.

When the girl remained frightened, her family questioned her and she told them about the alleged abuse. The family then approached the accused's house, where they received threats.

The girl's family subsequently went to the Sheeshgarh police station and lodged a complaint.

Police Say Case Registered, Accused in Custody

Bareilly police said they received information about the rape of a minor girl in Sheeshgarh and registered a case. The girl has been sent for a medical examination and the accused has been taken into custody for questioning.

Bareilly police official Arun Kumar Singh said further action was being taken in the case.

The police action came despite claims by members of both families that a settlement had been reached. The accused's family member said the matter had been discussed among village elders for three days before the families agreed to a settlement.

The girl's family member also said they wanted the marriage to take place after the girl turns 18.

Police officials indicated that beyond proceeding with criminal action under the relevant legal provisions against the primary accused, authorities are also reviewing the actions of local village representatives who orchestrated the unauthorised settlement to determine further legal accountability.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 11:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).