Mathura Tai's 54-Year Struggle: From Custodial Rape to Belated Rehabilitation In the twilight of her life, Mathura Tai, a 70-year-old tribal woman from Chandrapur district, continues to endure the physical and emotional scars of a 1972 custodial rape that sparked a national reckoning over India’s justice system. Her 54-year-long battle for recognition, rehabilitation, and dignity has finally begun to bear fruit, albeit belatedly, as government aid and public pressure converge to address her plight. Yet, her journey remains a poignant reminder of the systemic neglect faced by survivors of sexual violence, particularly those from marginalized communities. Mathura’s ordeal began on March 26, 1972, when two police constables—Head Constable Tukaram and Constable Ganpat—raped her while she was in custody at the Desaiganj police station in Gadchiroli. The incident, which shocked the nation, led to a landmark legal battle. The Bombay High Court initially convicted the officers in 1975, but the Supreme Court overturned the verdict in 1979, citing a lack of visible injuries and questioning whether Mathura had consented. This flawed ruling ignited widespread outrage, prompting protests from women’s groups, lawyers, and activists. The case became a catalyst for legal reform, culminating in the 1983 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, which strengthened protections for rape survivors and addressed custodial abuse. Despite these legal advancements, Mathura’s personal struggle persisted. For decades, she lived in poverty, her health deteriorating as she faced neglect from both the state and her family. Her sons, who inherited her legacy, initially showed little interest in her well-being, leaving her to fend for herself in a crumbling hut.#maharashtra_government #gadchiroli #chandrapur_district #mathura_tai #desaiganj_police_station
