Tribal youths paraded with garland of shoes for drinking liquor

The panchayat of Khareh village in Shivpuri district banned consumption of liquor a week back, and imposed a fine of Rs 11,000 on offenders.

Three tribal youths were paraded with a garland of shoes hanging around their necks after their heads were partially shaved in a Madhya Pradesh village for consuming alcohol.

Vikram Adiwasi, Kotu Adiwasi and Satish Adiwasi are paraded through Khareh village in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district. (HT PHOTO)

The panchayat of Khareh village in Shivpuri district had banned consumption of liquor a week back, and imposed a fine of Rs 11,000 on offenders, failing which they would be ousted from the village after being paraded with a garland of shoes and shaving of their heads.

“Vikram Adiwasi, Kotu Adiwasi and Satish Adiwasi came to the village after consuming alcohol on Sunday. When villagers came to know about it they asked them to pay Rs 11,000 as fine. However, they refused to pay the fine so panchayat punished them on Monday,” said a villager.

“These youth created ruckus many times in intoxicated state. We are happy with the punishment as it would demotivate others, who are habitual drunkards,” Madhu Adiwasi, 38, said.

Of the three, two are married. However, their families did not oppose the action as it was imposed by the panchayat.

Vikram Adivasi, however, said that his dignity had been hurt by the action. “The rule shouldn’t be given importance but dignity of a person. We were humiliated publicly and people were enjoying it. Now, it will be difficult for me and my family to stay in the village.”

SP Pandey condemned the act, saying, “We never asked any panchayat to indulge in such punitive action. The act of the villagers is unacceptable and police would inquire into the matter. If the victims lodge a complaint, we will initiate criminal action against the guilty under section 499 of IPC.”