In Assam, newly-wed wife gang-raped by husband, friends over dowry
A woman was allegedly raped by her husband, and two of his friends on April 17 in South Assam's Karimganj district, just three days after her wedding. The husband's demand for gold jewellery in dowry was not met, after which he schemed the heinous act with his friends. The police arrested the husband, and are looking out for the friends, who have fled.
Woman was admitted to hospital in critical condition
The police learned about the horrific incident after the woman was admitted to a local hospital in critical condition. The FIR was registered on April 22. According to Miguel Das Queah, a Guwahati activist, 20 cases of sexual assault have been registered in the last two months. She said, "The reasons are varied but the huge economic and social disparity in Assam is a major factor."
Married women suffer abuse at hands of husband
According to the National Health and Family Survey (NFHS-4) for 2015-16, 5.4% married women were forced to have sexual intercourse with their husbands. 2.5% married women were forced to perform sexual acts against their will, 3.6% were threatened for it. While the government has reiterated the concept of marital rape isn't applicable to Indian scenario, statistics suggest it's time to get serious about it.
