Woman Raped, Sold Off Into Marriage For $800 By Father-Son Duo

A 27-year-old woman was allegedly sold off into marriage for $800 by a father-son duo, who also raped her for four months in captivity.

The incident happened in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh Monday. Police said the accused, identified as Ramesh, and his son, Ravi, are currently absconding, reported India Today.

The incident came to light after police were tipped off by people who came to know about the suspicious marriage.

The victim, who had been married earlier, was looking for a job after her husband ended up in jail. She approached Ravi seeking his help, following which he took her to a rented house. She met Ramesh there. According to the complaint filed by the woman, the duo held her captive and raped her.

After four months, they decided to get rid of her. Both approached 33-year-old Sarman Prajapathi, who agreed to marry her. An engagement was held where Prajapathi paid Rs 60,000 ($800) to the accused, police said.

The marriage ceremony was arranged for July 12. As planned, Prajapathi and his few relatives arrived for the function. However, a few people at the bureau where the marriage was arranged felt something suspicious, following which they alerted the police.

The police arrived and spoke with the bride, who broke down and narrated her ordeal. By then, the accused men had fled the scene. The father-son duo has been charged with rape. They will also face fraud charges on the complaint by the groom Prajapathi, who reportedly told the cops that he was unaware of the abuse.

"Everyone related to the case is being questioned, and we are hopeful that the two main accused would be arrested soon," a senior official told India Today. He added that the officials are exploring the possibility of adding human trafficking charges.

In a similar case, a minor girl was "sold off" by her parents into marriage in the Indian state of Rajasthan in April. She was also subjected to brutal gang rape by her in-laws, including her husband's brother and sister-in-law's husband. The girl, a student, was rescued by the Railway Protection Force after she fled from her marital home.