Kannauj (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 27 (IANS): A widow and a differently-abled man were thrashed, their heads tonsured, their faces blackened before being paraded in a village as punishment for their alleged illicit relationship.

The incident took place in Gursahaiganj Kotwali area of Kannauj. The woman, a mother of five children, and the differently-abled man were reportedly caught in a compromising position by her uncle and his sons.

"They locked them in a room, thrashed them severely, shaved their heads, garlanded them with shoes and painted their faces black before parading them across the village on Wednesday," said a local resident.

The locals informed the village head who went and rescued the two. A video of the incident went viral on social media. It showed the couple being taken through the village while little children hooted.

The police rushed to the spot on getting information about the viral video and launched an investigation. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vinod Kumar said: "We came to know about the incident and rushed a police team to the village and started investigation. Those found guilty in the probe would be booked and arrested."