Woman beaten to death for standing up for her raped sister

A 40-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death by a sailor in Dahanu taluka here after she stood up to him for raping her younger sister, police said today.

PALGHAR: A 40-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death by a sailor in Dahanu taluka here after she stood up to him for raping her younger sister, police said today.

The accused Sandesh Varta (35) had allegedly raped the 35-year-old sister of the victim, Jayanti Adga, Gholwad police station API Durgesh Shelar told PTI.

Jayanti was attacked using an iron rod on August 16 by Varta, who was annoyed about her spreading the word about the rape and her decision to pursue the case.

She succumbed to her wounds in a local hospital yesterday following which the family lodged a police complaint, and an offence was registered under section 302 of the IPC, the officer said.

The woman was beaten up in the presence of her family, which was also attacked when they tried to save her.

According to police, the victim and the alleged accused are residents of the same Jambu Khapada hamlet in the taluka.

Police have now launched a manhunt for Varta and his children, who are absconding after the incident.