Alipurduar, April 2: A day after filing an FIR against 10 villagers who tortured her for an alleged illicit relationship, Sharmila Hembram and her family members could not return home fearing another attack. The 28-year-old had lodged the FIR against those who beat her up and cut a portion of her hair on March 16.

Samuktala police have launched a search for the accused. Sabyosachi Raman Misra, the additional superintendent of police here, said: “All the accused are absconding. Sharmila and her family can easily return to their hut. We will provide them security.”

Philip Kisku, Sharmila’s husband, feared that the villagers might attack their hut again. “We will not return till the accused are arrested.” The father of two girls is also afraid of going to Mumbai where he works as a labourer, leaving his family behind.