A 54-year struggle of rape survivor: Mathura Tai's journey from custodial rape in 1972 to belated rehab in 2026

NAGPUR: In the twilight of her life, failing health is overpowering the indomitable spirit of Mathura Tai, the custodial rape survivor whose 1972 ordeal forced major changes in India's rape laws. But like a true fighter, she continues to pull on with quiet courage, living only for her two sons.

TOI recced Mathura's Chandrapur neighbourhood earlier this week and found that she continues to live in the same ramshackle house, but the saving grace is the under-construction 1BHK house with govt aid. TOI's story on the pitiable condition of the forgotten rape survivor had stirred the nation's conscience four months ago and drew help from private and public sectors.

Though enriched by benefits extended by the govt after the TOI story, she still ploughs a lonely furrow due to her family's apathy. The sons will now inherit a house and a bank balance with govt help and their mother's legacy, but Mathura remains critically unwell and ignored. She had just returned from a Chandrapur govt hospital after recovering from a severe stomach ailment, her son told TOI. This correspondent had to rush Mathura to the nearest primary health centre in a car for treatment on the fifth day of her fever even though her son works at the PHC.

On Friday, Maharashtra legislative council deputy chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe conducted a detailed review of her rehabilitation. Gorhe along with TOI had visited Navargaon hamlet on December 11 last year and issued instructions to the administration. The review showed satisfactory progress.

Around 80% of the 1BHK house is complete, with plastering work in progress. "The work will be over soon and Mathura can move into her new house in less than two months," said an official from Chandrapur.

The family is receiving regular rations. Of the promised Rs 10 lakh aid, Rs 7 lakh has been deposited as a fixed deposit for the family's long-term security. The administration is working in a coordinated manner on shelter, employment and financial help. Local officials, including the gram sevak, are monitoring the implementation.

Dr Gorhe has given strict directions for remaining tasks. The balance of Rs 3 lakh should be released immediately. "Gorhe had asked for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that covers health check-ups, livelihood support and overall well-being. Regular progress reports are to be sent to her office," said a source.

For Mathura, these came after more than 54 years of struggle. Her life today revolves mainly around her elder son. She rarely demands anything for herself and has often said she only wants a stable job for them. The partial paralysis and other health issues continue to traumatise her, but her spirit remains unbroken.

More than half a century after she was raped by two policemen inside a police station in Gadchiroli, Mathura's journey from a forgotten victim to someone finally getting govt help shows both the power of public pressure and the slow pace of justice for survivors from poor tribal background.

Once largely neglected, her case came back into focus after a Times of India report highlighted her poor living conditions in a crumbling hut in Chandrapur district. The story stirred fresh outrage and prompted the Maharashtra govt and the administration to step in with concrete rehabilitation measures.

Mathura, now in her early 70s and partially paralysed on one side, was just a young tribal girl when the incident took place on March 26, 1972, at Desaiganj police station. She was in custody when two policemen — Head Constable Tukaram and Constable Ganpat — raped her. The case shocked the nation. The Bombay High Court had convicted the policemen, but the Supreme Court acquitted them in 1979.

The apex court had observed that there were no visible injuries and that Mathura had not raised an alarm, suggesting she may have consented. This deeply flawed ruling sparked massive protests by women's groups, lawyers and activists across the country.

The public anger led to important changes in the law. In 1983, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act was passed. It made key improvements in handling rape cases, especially custodial rape. Former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai later described the 1979 Supreme Court acquittal as a "moment of institutional embarrassment."