Woman Harassed for Dowry, Told to Emulate Nora Fatehi
Ghaziabad woman alleges dowry harassment, body-shaming by husband, in-laws.
A woman in Ghaziabad has lodged a harrowing police complaint against her husband and in-laws, accusing them of relentless harassment over dowry demands and subjecting her to mental and physical torture, including pressure to maintain a physique like Bollywood actor Nora Fatehi. The allegations, which also include claims of forced abortion and physical assault, have sparked outrage and prompted a police investigation.
The complainant, married just six months ago, detailed in her FIR that her family spent over ₹76 lakh on the wedding, yet faced incessant demands for additional dowry from her husband, a physical education teacher at a government school, and his family. She alleged that her husband body-shamed her, calling her “fat and ugly,” and insisted she emulate Nora Fatehi’s physique by working out for three hours daily. Failure to comply resulted in her being denied food, she claimed, adding that the harassment extended to physical violence.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Saloni Agarwal, speaking to PTI Videos on Thursday, confirmed that an FIR has been registered at the women’s police station. “The complainant has alleged multiple forms of harassment, including body-shaming and denial of food. She stated her husband demanded she maintain a body like Nora Fatehi’s and forced her to follow a grueling workout regimen,” Agarwal said. The woman further accused her in-laws of pressuring her to take an abortion pill, which she claims led to a miscarriage, and described her husband as a “womaniser” who frequently watched “inappropriate videos of women” online.
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The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of dowry-related abuse and unrealistic societal pressures on women. The police are conducting a thorough investigation, with statements being recorded from the complainant, her husband, and in-laws. Authorities are also examining medical records related to the alleged miscarriage to substantiate the claims.
Local women’s rights groups have rallied in support of the complainant, calling for stricter enforcement of dowry and domestic violence laws. “This case is a stark reminder of the toxic combination of dowry culture and misogynistic expectations,” said Anjali Sharma, a local activist. The investigation is ongoing, with the police assuring swift action based on evidence. The case underscores the urgent need for societal change to address gender-based violence and harmful stereotypes in India.
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