Begusarai: When relationships based on trust break on a mobile screen, the pain is not only personal, it also raises questions on the system. The story of Rukhsana Khatoon, a resident of Shokhara-2 Kalambagh of Phulwaria police station area, is similar. She alleges that her husband sent ‘triple talaq’ in a WhatsApp message and with this their married life disintegrated. Dreams of marriage, happiness of becoming a mother and hopes of settling down have now turned into a matter of police stations and offices.
How did the relationship break with a WhatsApp message?
Rukhsana says that on February 20, 2024, her husband Mohammad Maqbool sent a message of triple talaq on her mobile. Their marriage took place on 11 March 2022. At the time of marriage, a dowry of Rs 51 thousand and two pieces of gold were given. But it is alleged that after a few months of marriage, demand for a dowry of Rs 5 lakh started. When the demands were not met, a series of beatings and torture started. Due to the intervention of the society, she returned to her in-laws’ house for some time, but the dispute did not stop.
Why did the dispute not end even after taking it to Delhi?
The victim alleges that her husband took her to Delhi, where she was repeatedly asked for money in the name of business. According to Rukhsana, Rs 5 lakh was taken from her mother, for which she had to mortgage the jewellery and take a loan. Not only this, an FD worth Rs 1 lakh 40 thousand in the daughter’s name was also broken. She claims that till now Rs 16 to 17 lakh has been taken from her and her family.
Why did harassment increase when asking for money?
Rukhsana says that when she asked for the money back, her maternal home was attacked, in which she and her brother were injured. The doctors at the hospital advised informing the police, but the husband pacified the matter by apologizing. The torture allegedly increased after the birth of their son in June 2023. The victim alleges that abusive language was used on the phone and there was talk of even pushing her into prostitution. When they expressed their desire to live together, the condition of Halala was allegedly imposed.
When did he give the information about his second marriage?
Rukhsana claims that on March 17, 2024, she was informed about her husband’s second marriage through a message. There is also an allegation of receiving death threats from the brother-in-law. She says that for the last two years, she has been visiting Phulwaria police station and sometimes Mahila police station, but no concrete action has been taken. She alleged that after the complaint, a case of theft was registered against her.
Why were questions raised on the role of police?
The victim’s lawyer Abhishek Jaiswal says that serious sections were not imposed and negligence was taken in the case. National Commission for Women member Mamta Kumari said that the case of triple talaq on mobile has been taken into cognizance and a report has been sought from the police. At present the police have taken two days. This entire incident has once again raised questions on the functioning of the administration regarding dowry, triple talaq and compliance with the law. Now the focus is on when and how Rukhsana gets justice.
