India: Minor girls made to roam naked ‘in rain ritual’ in Madhya Pradesh village

Damoh, Madhya Pradesh: Six girls were paraded naked in a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district by locals as part of a ritual which villagers believe will please the rain gods and bring relief from the drought-like situation, officials said on Tuesday.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sought a report from the Damoh district administration on the incident which happened on Sunday at Baniya village, about 50km from the Damoh district headquarters, in the Bundelkhand region.

“According to the news published in local media, an act of ‘inhumanity’ has come to the fore in the Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh. Allegedly, minor girls were seen roaming naked on the streets of a neighbourhood in the district. These girls, belonging to the Adivasi community, reached a nearby temple and worshipped the goddess,” said NCPCR.

A district official said a response will be submitted to the NCPCR.

Damoh superintendent of police DR Teniwar said the police received the information that some young girls were paraded naked to appease the god of rains as part of a local practice and prevailing social evils.

“Police are investigating this incident. Action will be taken if it is found that girls were forced to go naked,” he said, adding villagers believe that this practice may result in rain.

According to religious beliefs, young girls are made to walk naked with a wooden shaft rested on their shoulders with a frog tied to it. Women accompanying these girls sing bhajans to praise the rain god, he said.

Damoh collector S Krishna Chaitanya said the local administration will submit a report in this regard to the NCPCR.

“Make sure to convey the following documents within 10 days of receipt of the letter---Certificate of age to minor girls in the case, detailed investigation report of the case and other necessary documents,” read the letter by the NCPCR to the collector.