A deeply troubling case has emerged from a village under the Bisauli police station area in Badaun district, where a 14-year-old Class 9 student was allegedly subjected to prolonged abuse, resulting in a pregnancy that was later terminated without proper legal process. The incident intensified after a village panchayat allegedly intervened to protect the accused and pressured the survivor’s family to stay silent.
Family alleges prolonged coercion and intimidation
According to the complaint, the neighbour accused in the case allegedly exploited the minor and threatened her into silence for several months. When the girl’s health began showing signs of distress, she underwent an ultrasound in Bisauli on 19 September, which confirmed the pregnancy.
Upon learning the truth, the family first approached the Bisauli police station with a written complaint, but no FIR was registered. An online complaint filed on 7 November also received no action, the family said.
Panchayat allegedly imposes penalties, prevents legal action
During this period, the accused and local community members reportedly convened a panchayat meeting at the residence of a former village pradhan. Instead of assisting the minor, the panchayat allegedly warned the family against pursuing legal action and threatened them with expulsion from the village.
The panchayat also allegedly demanded that the accused’s family deposit ₹3.40 lakh as “compensation” and took it upon itself to arrange a medical termination of pregnancy for the minor, without involving lawful authorities.
Eight days later, the termination was conducted at a private centre, according to the police complaint. The panchayat also allegedly attempted to arrange the minor’s marriage to a 40-year-old man from Badhaul village, claiming expenses had already been incurred. When the girl’s father refused, the family was allegedly threatened once again.
FIR finally lodged after SSP intervention
With no action forthcoming, the family approached Badaun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Brijesh Kumar Singh. Following this, an FIR was registered on Tuesday against the neighbour accused, four of his family members, and an unidentified female medical practitioner.
DSP Badaun, Sunil Kumar, confirmed that the case has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including offences relating to abuse of a minor, causing unlawful termination of pregnancy, and criminal intimidation. Sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also been invoked.
“The child will be taken to record her statement in court. The absconding accused will be arrested very soon,” the DSP stated.
Concerns over misuse of informal justice systems
The incident has brought renewed scrutiny on informal village panchayats that often intervene in criminal matters and undermine legal processes. Rights organisations have stressed the need for stricter measures to prevent community-level interference in cases involving minors and vulnerable individuals.
As investigations proceed, officials say additional sections may be added based on the child’s statement and medical reports.