Breaking: Three rape survivors climb water tank in Barnala, allege police inaction
Women from Scheduled Caste communities demand action in separate cases; raise slogans against police near District Administrative and Court Complex
Kamaljeet Singh
Barnala (Punjab), August 19, 2026: A tense situation prevailed near the District Administrative and Court Complex in Barnala on Wednesday morning after three young women, who allege that they were sexually exploited on the pretext of marriage in separate cases, climbed a water tank demanding justice.
The women, who belong to Scheduled Caste communities, alleged that they had approached the police in their respective cases several months ago but that effective action had not been taken against the accused. They also raised slogans against the police while demanding justice.
According to information available from the protesters, two of the women are from Deewana and Gagewal villages in the Mahal Kalan area, while the third is a resident of Barnala city.
Woman from Deewana alleges prolonged exploitation
In the first case, a woman from Deewana village alleged that she met a driver from Sahauli village in Ludhiana district while working at a hospital.
She alleged that the man sexually exploited her for several years on the promise of marriage and subsequently blackmailed her using videos.
The woman claimed that despite approaching the authorities, she had not received the justice she was seeking.
Gagewal woman alleges three years of exploitation
In another case, a woman from Gagewal village alleged that a man from Raikot in Ludhiana district sexually exploited her for around three years on the pretext of marriage.
She further alleged that she later discovered that the accused was already married and had two children.The woman has alleged that despite her complaint, she has been waiting for action against the accused.
The third woman, a resident of Barnala city, also joined the protest and climbed the water tank, raising allegations concerning her own case and demanding police action. The allegations made by the three women relate to separate cases and have not been independently adjudicated by a court.
The protest created a commotion in the area as officials and others gathered near the water tank. The women continued to demand justice and action against the persons they have accused.
Details regarding the police response, including whether FIRs have been registered in all three cases and what action has been taken on the complaints, were not immediately available.
The allegations made by the women are serious and remain subject to investigation and due process. The accused persons, if formally charged, would be entitled to defend themselves in accordance with law.
The protesters have demanded that the police investigate their complaints promptly and take action against those responsible.