Published Oct 08, 2026 | 12:44 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 08, 2026 | 12:44 PM
Domestic violence can be physical or sexual abuse, emotional abuse, as well as financial abuse. (Representational Image. Creative Commons)
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report on the alleged brutal dowry harassment and physical torture of a 24-year-old postgraduate woman in Kollam.
The woman, Anju, was allegedly subjected to prolonged mental and physical abuse by her husband Nandu and his parents over demands for additional dowry.
NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the concerned authorities seeking a fair, thorough and time-bound investigation.
Also Read: 24-year-old woman’s injuries trigger outrage over dowry violence in Keralam
The Commission has sought immediate legal steps to secure the arrest of the husband, who is reportedly in Saudi Arabia, besides preservation of physical and digital evidence and detailed medical and forensic documentation of the injuries.
The NCW has also sought protection, medical treatment, psychological counselling and legal assistance for Anju and her family.
An Action Taken Report has been sought within seven days. The Commission said dowry-related violence and cruelty against women were unacceptable and stressed the need to protect the safety, dignity and bodily integrity of women.
The alleged violence reportedly took place both in Keralam and Saudi Arabia, where her husband was employed.
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 Chavara police have registered an FIR 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.
Also Read: Kasaragod woman dies by suicide a day before first wedding anniversary; husband arrested
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
