Jharkhand Panchayat Seeks To Settle 3-Year-Old's Rape Case With Rs 1 Lakh Fine, Part Of Money Used In Liquor Feast

Last Updated:July 13, 2026, 17:00 IST

The panchayat ordered accused Sunil Lohra to pay Rs 1 lakh, of which Rs 20,000 funded a meat-and-liquor feast.

A three-year-old girl was allegedly raped in Jharkhand’s Gumla district, and a village panchayat allegedly tried to suppress the matter by imposing a fine on the accused instead of informing the police. Officials said the accused was later arrested after police intervened.

The incident took place in Palma village. According to officials, the accused, identified as Sunil Lohra, was ordered by the panchayat to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Of this amount, Rs 20,000 was paid immediately and was allegedly used to organise a feast involving meat and liquor for those present. The remaining Rs 80,000 was to be paid within a week.

Police step in after tip-off

According to investigators, police received information that the village panchayat was attempting to settle the rape case internally through a monetary penalty so that it would not reach law enforcement authorities.

Officials said the victim’s family did not initially approach the police because of pressure from villagers. After receiving the tip-off, police reached the village and recorded the statement of the child’s mother.

Based on her statement, an FIR was registered and Lohra was arrested. Officials said they acted before the matter could be settled within the village and buried.

What we know about the rape incident?

The incident occurred at around 4 pm on Saturday. According to officials, the child’s mother was at home when Lohra came to the house.

Police said Lohra offered to look after the child so that her mother could complete household chores. He then allegedly took the girl into a room and sexually assaulted her.

The mother reportedly rushed to the room after hearing her daughter cry. Officials said she found the child bleeding.

Despite the seriousness of the allegation, the matter was taken before the village panchayat instead of being reported to the police.

Panchayat meeting decides on fine

The victim’s family alleged that some panchayat members took the child to a private doctor following the assault. A public meeting was then convened on Sunday to discuss the matter.

During the meeting, it was decided that the issue would be settled within the village by imposing a Rs 1 lakh fine on the accused, according to the family’s allegations. Officials said Lohra paid Rs 20,000 on the spot.

According to police, a feast funded with the money paid by the accused was underway when officers arrived at the village. The gathering allegedly involved food and liquor.

Police have registered a case and taken the accused into custody. Further proceedings are underway, and more details are awaited.

(With inputs from IANS)

About the Author

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen...Read More

News india Jharkhand Panchayat Seeks To Settle 3-Year-Old's Rape Case With Rs 1 Lakh Fine, Part Of Money Used In Liquor Feast

Read More