Phoolandevi

Phoolan Devi (1963–2001), also known as the "Bandit Queen," was an Indian dacoit-turned-politician who became a symbol of resistance against caste and gender oppression.
Born into a poor Mallah (boatman) family, she faced severe caste discrimination and was married off at a young age. After suffering abuse, she escaped and eventually joined a gang of dacoits. Following her abduction and later leadership of the gang, she became known for seeking vengeance against upper-caste men who had raped her and oppressed her community.
Her most infamous act was the "Behmai massacre" in 1981, where she led the execution of 22 Thakur men, involved in her gang-r*pe. She surrendered in 1983 and spent over a decade in prison without trial. After her release, she entered politics and was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1996, advocating for the poor and marginalized.
Phoolan Devi’s life was marked by resilience and rebellion—transforming from a victim of caste and gender violence into a voice for justice.