Police in India are investigating an incident in which six minor girls were paraded naked through the streets as part of a village ritual to summon rains.
The incident took place in a village in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh state which has been suffering drought for some time.
Viral videos of the event, shared on social media, reportedly showed girls as young as 5, walking naked with a wooden shaft which had a frog tied to it resting on their shoulders.
The girls are seen walking together in a procession, while a group of women follow them singing hymns.
Locals are said to believe that the ritual will appease the rain god and bring rainfall to the drought hit region.
Officials say the girls’ parents had consented to the ritual and had also joined it.
India’s National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has sought a report from the District administrators.
Police say they have not yet received any formal complaint regarding the incident but have nonetheless opened an investigation.
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