Published Oct 06, 2026 | 2:02 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 06, 2026 | 2:03 PM
The viral image. (Special Arrangement)
A photograph of a young woman with visible injuries has triggered a heated discussion on social media, bringing renewed attention to the continuing scourge of dowry-related violence in Keralam.
The 24-year-old woman from Neendakara, Kollam, Anju, is undergoing treatment at the Kollam District General Hospital after allegedly suffering repeated physical and mental abuse at the hands of her husband and his family over dowry.
Chavara police have registered a case against her husband, Nandu, 28, of Mundakkath House, Parimanam, and his parents, Dinesh and Jagadamma, based on her complaint. The police have also issued a lookout notice for Nandu.
Anju, who holds a postgraduate degree in data analytics, alleged that the harassment began a week into her marriage, held on July 27, with her husband’s family reportedly complaining that the dowry she brought was inadequate. The alleged abuse later intensified, particularly after Nandu took her to Saudi Arabia, where he was employed.
According to the complaint, she was subjected to repeated assaults, including being kicked in the abdomen, hit on the head with a pressure cooker and assaulted on her private parts. She has reportedly sustained around 30 bruises across her body, with blood clots visible in several places.
Anju returned to Keralam on September 30 and subsequently approached the police.
The case has also drawn the attention of Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna. The Minister spoke to Anju over the phone while she was in Gujarat, sought details of the alleged abuse and assured her of legal assistance and protection.
Describing the reported violence as extremely serious, the Minister directed the authorities to ensure stringent action in accordance with law. The Minister also visited Anju at the Kollam District General Hospital on Tuesday.
The photograph of Anju showing the injuries allegedly suffered in the attacks has since circulated widely on social media, prompting strong reactions and renewed calls for an end to dowry practices and violence against women.
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(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar. Edited by R Rajesh Kumar.)
