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Case of 18-Year-Old Widow Burned Alive in India—Family Walks Free After 37 Years

Daniel Kim Views  

The controversial case involving an 18-year-old widow from India who was burned to death has resurfaced.

BBC reported on the story of Roop Kanwar, an Indian woman who tragically passed away 37 years ago at the age of 18. The case of her death recently returned and sparked outrage throughout India.

In September 1987, Kanwar, a resident of Rajasthan, was placed on her husband’s funeral pyre a day after his death. This act was rooted in the Hindu practice of sati, which historically compelled widows to follow their husbands in death.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that Kanwar did not willingly participate in the sati ritual. Her husband’s family allegedly sedated her before forcing her onto the pyre.

Kanwar reportedly attempted to escape the flames at least three times, but armed guards restrained her and pushed her back into the fire. Eventually, her brother-in-law ignited the pyre, leading to her immolation alongside her deceased husband.

Authorities arrested several of Kanwar’s in-laws as the incident became public. They contended that Kanwar paraded through the village dressed in bridal attire before voluntarily climbing onto the pyre, where she recited religious mantras as she burned beside her husband’s body.

The Kanwar case re-ignited public discourse after nearly four decades when all eight defendants were acquitted on October 9.

The defense attorney told the BBC that the court acquitted them because there was no evidence against them.

In response, civil society activists sent a letter to the Governor of Rajasthan, urging the government to contest the High Court’s verdict and to take action against the abhorrent practice of sati. They also organized large-scale protests.

The Minister of Law and Justice for Rajasthan informed the BBC that the verdict hasn’t been received yet, but the government will consider legal action after review.

Daniel Kim
content@viewusglobal.com

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