Bhagalpur: A surprising case has come to light from Bhagalpur, Bihar. Here a newly married woman was beaten and tortured over dowry. It is being told that on November 13, during an attempt at reconciliation, the girl’s family was attacked by the boy’s family. The matter is of Zero Mile area of Barari police station area. Victim Sandhya Kumari has accused her husband Pawan Kumar and his family of harassing her for dowry.
The wedding took place on March 11, 2024
According to the information, Sandhya Kumari was married to Pawan Kumar on March 11 this year. Pawan Kumar works in Group D in Railways and his posting is in Mumbai Central. Sandhya alleges that since her marriage, her husband and his family have been harassing her for dowry. Sandhya told that her family had spent around Rs 25 lakh on the marriage. 18 lakh rupees in cash and goods were given as dowry. But after a few days of marriage, Sandhya came to know that Pawan was having an affair with a girl from Odisha.
Affair revealed on 11th day of marriage
Sandhya told that 11 days after marriage, I came to know that my husband was having an affair with another girl since 2019. He wanted to marry her. He married me out of greed for dowry. When Sandhya told her parents about this, they tried to explain. At that time the boy’s parents also supported him. But later Pawan’s behavior changed.
Assault with Sandhya’s maternal uncle and brother
Sandhya has also lodged a complaint in this matter in the women’s police station. He alleges that the police are not helping him. On Wednesday, when Sandhya’s brother and maternal uncle went to Pawan’s house to talk about reconciliation, they were beaten up. Sandhya’s maternal uncle and brother were injured in this incident. He was first referred to Sadar Hospital and then to Mayaganj for treatment.
Barari police station in-charge Uday Shankar Kumar said that a case has been registered on the complaint of the girl’s brother Suraj Kumar Yadav. The case is being investigated. Further action will be taken after investigation.
How can families effectively support women facing dowry-related violence?
Interview between Time.news Editor (E) and Dowry Expert (X)
E: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have with us Dr. Aisha Sharma, a renowned expert on gender issues and dowry-related violence. Dr. Sharma, let’s dive straight into a shocking case emerging from Bhagalpur, Bihar. A newly married woman, Sandhya Kumari, has reported severe harassment over dowry from her husband, Pawan Kumar, and his family. What are your initial thoughts on such cases?
X: Thank you for having me. This case is unfortunately not an isolated incident but a reflection of a broader societal issue surrounding the dowry system in India. It highlights the urgent need for reform both legally and socially. Even though dowry is illegal, cultural practices continue to perpetuate this form of violence against women.
E: It’s devastating to think about the impact this has on women like Sandhya, who just married in March. What patterns do you see in similar cases?
X: In many instances, newly married women experience extreme pressure from their husbands’ families shortly after the wedding. The expectation of dowry, coupled with societal norms that often prioritize a woman’s value based on her family’s wealth, creates an environment where abuse can thrive. Often, the newly married woman is caught off-guard, believing that marriage would offer them security and happiness.
E: Sandhya’s family attempted to reconcile on November 13, only to be attacked by the boy’s family. What does this reaction indicate about familial dynamics in dowry disputes?
X: This escalation of violence during reconciliation attempts is quite common. It shows how entrenched dowry demands are and how they can lead to aggressive confrontations. The boy’s family might feel threatened by any steps taken for reconciliation if they believe it could jeopardize their financial demands. This cycle of violence often discourages families from seeking help and can intimidate the woman’s family from pursuing justice.
E: What legal protections do women like Sandhya have in situations like these?
X: Women in India are protected under various laws concerning domestic violence and dowry harassment. The Dowry Prohibition Act, along with the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, provide legal recourse. However, the effective implementation of these laws is a significant issue. Many women are often reluctant to report due to societal stigma or fear of retribution from their families.
E: Reconciliation efforts seem to lead to deplorable outcomes. What steps can society take to address these issues at the root?
X: Education and awareness are crucial. Society must foster discussions about dowry and its consequences while promoting gender equality. Programs aimed at fostering healthy relationships and effective communication can help. Additionally, communities need to support women’s empowerment initiatives that provide financial independence and education.
E: Dr. Sharma, thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s clear that the fight against dowry-related violence demands collective action from all societal levels.
X: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep these conversations alive and work towards sustained change. The safety and dignity of women must always come first.
E: Absolutely. We hope for justice for Sandhya and many women facing similar situations. Thank you for joining us today.