In a disturbing case emerging from Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, a woman accused her husband of harassment for dowry, culminating in an abrupt divorce communicated via WhatsApp. The incident raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of women and the misuse of divorce laws.
The victim, a resident of Indiranagar near Mohammadi Masjid in the Banbhulpura area, reported that she was married on May 23, 2022, to a local man. Following their marriage, her husband and in-laws expressed dissatisfaction with the dowry, consistently subjecting her to verbal and emotional abuse. The family allegedly demanded additional dowry, including a motorcycle, leading to further tensions.
According to the woman, her husband’s demands were coupled with claims of neglect, stating that she was deprived of motherhood as a form of punishment for not meeting his demands. Disturbingly, she also accused him of engaging in unnatural relations, which her mother-in-law dismissed as a private matter.
The situation escalated on January 17, 2023, when the woman was allegedly thrown out of her marital home after failing to fulfil the demands for a motorcycle and cash amounting to Rs 2 lakh. After filing a complaint with the police, her husband offered an apology and a family intervention led to a temporary reconciliation, during which they agreed to live separately in a rented accommodation.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn on September 26 this year when the husband sent a WhatsApp message declaring divorce by stating “talaq” three times, effectively ending their marriage without any prior discussion.
In response to these events, the woman filed a formal complaint against her husband, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law at the Banbhulpura police station, citing various offences including dowry harassment. Police officials have confirmed that a case has been registered under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, and an investigation is underway.
Sub-Inspector Neeraj Bhakuni stated that they are taking the complaint seriously and are committed to thoroughly investigating the allegations. The case highlights ongoing issues related to dowry practices and the rights of women in marital relationships, sparking a broader conversation about the need for legal reforms and societal change to protect vulnerable individuals.
