It is shameful that even in this day and age, young brides and their families are being humiliated and extorted with 'virginity tests'. Equally shocking is the viciousness with which certain communities defend this archaic custom. One community in Pune even bashed up a group of youngsters who were filming a virginity ritual as a form of protest.

One should be aghast that such a practice is still followed in 2018. The community even has an unsavoury name for this ritual, called 'maal khara ya khota' (real goods or fake). There needs to be quick, non-negotiable action against this. The authorities must arrest those responsible for the reprehensible practice.