Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Aug 9: In a disturbing case of alleged domestic abuse and dowry harassment, a 28-year-old woman from Thenka village in Kaup taluk has lodged a complaint against her husband, accusing him of pronouncing triple talaq via WhatsApp after repeated demands for more dowry and incidents of physical assault.

The woman, in her complaint filed at the Padubidri police station, stated that she married Mubeen Sheikh on October 21, 2024, at the Koppalangadi Community Hall in Kaup. As per the complaint, her family provided 12.5sovereigns of gold ornaments and Rs 20 lac in cash as dowry, allegedly in response to demands made by the groom’s family.

Initial harmony, then harassment

The woman moved in with her husband in Yermal after marriage and reportedly experienced a cordial relationship for just a month. Thereafter, she began facing mental and physical harassment, allegedly at the hands of her husband and his relatives.

During a visit by her father, the woman alleged that her sister-in-law Rasheen verbally abused him using foul language. When the woman objected to Rasheen’s behaviour, she was allegedly assaulted by Rasheen, who struck her on the back.

More dowry demanded after husband leaves country

According to the complaint, on December 12, 2024, her husband travelled abroad, and soon after, her in-laws began pressuring her to bring more gold and money, warning that she would be denied shelter in the house otherwise. The woman also alleged she was threatened with dire consequences if she did not comply.

Triple talaq pronounced on WhatsApp

The situation escalated further when, on July 15, the woman received a WhatsApp message from her husband, in which he allegedly pronounced triple talaq, effectively ending the marriage unilaterally and without her consent.

Legal action under new laws

Following her complaint, police have registered a case at Padubidri Police Station under the following sections:

• Sections 85, 115(2), 352, and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

• Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

• Section 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, which criminalises the practice of instant triple talaq.

The case is currently under investigation.