NCW seeks report from MP govt on 'virginity test' issue

NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought a report from Madhya Pradesh government on the alleged virginity tests conducted on brides before a mass wedding conducted under a state government scheme.

"We have taken a suo moto cognizance of the matter and have asked the state government to submit an interim report at the earliest," NCW chairperson Girija Vyas told PTI.

Condemning the action, she said a committee will also be constituted soon to probe into the allegations that the Madhya Pradesh government had ordered the virginity and pregnancy tests be conducted on 152 brides at a mass wedding there.

The incident allegedly occurred on June 30 when the brides had assembled for a mass marriage at Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol district, 350 km from state capital Bhopal.

Marriages under the scheme are solemnized free of cost and all arrangements are made by the district administration. Each couple is also provided assistance in the form of household items worth Rs 5,000.