According to reports, this bizarre ruling was given on Monday at the house of the dalit youth, Sanjay Jatav, of Daula village in this UP district. As per the police, Priyanka Sharma, a Brahmin and a resident of Mandaiya village, was having an affair with Sanjay and the two had run away a few days back triggering tension as the girl belonged to the upper caste.
When all attempts to trace the couple failed, a panchayat was held at Sanjay’s home during which the members asked the boy’s family to ensure the return of the girl immediately, failing which, the girls of their village would be abducted, police sources said.

The panchayat’s order has triggered panic in Daula village as people have sent all female members to their relatives. Several residents have even left the village fearing reprisal, sources said.

Police here said a case has been registered against 40 people, who had allegedly attended the panchayat. Security has also been provided to Sanjay’s family, police said, adding that a police team has been deployed at the village as a precautionary measure.