Bihar Panchayat 'executes' woman for adultery

A 32-year-old woman was beaten to death in a village in Bihar's Purnia district following a panchayat order that sentenced her to death for alleged adultery, police officials said on Tuesday.

A mother of three, Bibi Shahzadi, was lynched in public after she was accused of having an illicit relationship with a relative. The incident took place at Asyani village which falls under Tiyapara panchayat.

Purnia Superintendent of police Amit Lodha said that Shahzadi was killed in full public view. "I have directed Additional Superintendent of police Deepak Varnwal to probe into the case." he said.

Varnwal told mediapersons that no arrest had been made until now. "We are still investigating," he said. According to the police, Shahzadi was a socially active woman, who had set up a self help group, and was also working with poorest of the poor women to help them earn some money.