GUWAHATI: In an incident at Gongajani Kuwori village in Assam's Darrang, a woman was fined ₹5,000 and socially ostracised for wearing a salwar-kameez.
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The woman, reportedly a small shop owner in the Sipajhar revenue circle area, filed formal complaints with the local police and civil administration on Wednesday, December 11.
The incident unfolded when the woman was reportedly summoned to a kangaroo court held at a local temple. Villagers objected to her attire, which she explained was more suitable for her work, as per reports.
Talking to the media on this she said, "I need to wear salwar-kameez for transporting goods from the market comfortably. It is much easier for my tasks compared to traditional attire like mekhela-sador or saree.”
The woman and her family are reportedly facing severe social exclusion. She revealed that her children have been barred from visiting shops or interacting with others, while villagers have instructed their children to avoid hers at school.
Despite the social ostracism, the woman remains defiant, emphasising the practicality of her choice of clothing for her daily work.
Villagers, while admitting to imposing the fine, have also reportedly levelled accusations against her, claiming she is involved in illegal activities, including selling fake gold and unlicensed alcohol.
The case is now under further investigation as more details are awaited.