Tragedy struck in an Indian family with a teenage girl losing her life following controversy over the wearing of jeans material.
Reports indicate that the 17-year-old girl, Neha Paswan was punitively beaten to death by her relations in Uttar Pradesh, India for what they perceived as inappropriate dress code.
The late girl’s mother, Shakuntala Devi Paswan, who confirmed the tragic incident, told BBC Hindi that a gang of fundamentalist men, including Neha’s grandfather and uncles, killed her daughter with sticks.
Also, lamenting the sad event, Neha’s father, Amarnath, a construction worker that lives in another town, said he worked hard so Neha and his other children could go to school; only for him to return to see that she has been murder by some family members
According to the deceased’s Mum, Shakuntala, after observing a day-long fast, Neha had come downstairs wearing a pair of jeans.
Regrettably, the grandfather raised concerns over her choice of outfit; but Neha retorted that the jeans material was made to be worn and she would wear it.
Soon after, the family descended on Neha brutally, 10 men wielding sticks and striking her fiercely.
She said after they were done, the men disposed of the evidence in an attempt to cover up their heinous crime.
Shakuntala said they claimed Neha was taken to the hospital; but she was prevented from going to the hospital with her daughter. She isn’t sure Neha was eventually taken to the hospital.
“They wouldn’t let me accompany them; so I alerted my relatives who went to the district hospital looking for her but couldn’t find her”, Neha’s mum said
The reports stated that Neha’s body was found the next morning hanging from a bridge by her mother.
It was also confirmed that four people have been arrested and questioned by police as investigations continue, including Neha’s granddad and two uncles.
Neha was often pressured for attending school; and also wearing modern clothing by her traditionalist extended family.
Neha’s death has triggered new conversations about the treatment of women by men in India.
Gender activist Rolly Shivhare told the BBC; “It’s shocking that in the 21st Century; we are killing and assaulting girls for wearing jeans or talking on a mobile phone.” – Agency reports
