Hyderabad: Woman claims given triple talaq over teeth

Hyderabad: A city-based man who allegedly divorced his wife through the triple talaq route because she had crooked teeth, was booked by the Kushaiguda police of Rachakonda commissionerate under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act and for domestic violence.

Ms Ruksana Begum, 25, alleged that she was harassed for additional dowry by her husband and in-laws and after she left her marital home because of the harassment, she was given triple talaq by her husband, who had also lied about his profession as a textile businessman.

This is the second allegation of triple talaq after the law against the practice was passed in Parliament.

According to the complaint, Mohammed Mustafa, 36, an autorickshaw driver, married Ms Ruksana Begum on June 27 this year. Her family gave `5 lakh cash, five tolas of gold, and household articles to Mustafa on the occasion of the marriage.

She was told that Mustafa has a textile business in Madina in the Old City and was well-settled. It was only after the marriage that she found out that he was a driver, and the house they lived in was rented.

"They (Mustafa’s family) were really good to me before marriage. Soon after marriage, they showed their true colours. They started harassing for additional dowry and household articles. They do not have space to keep articles in the house," alleged Ms Ruksana Begum.

She said that on July 19, her health was affected by the harassment and she went to live with her parents. When she complained to the police, her husband and in-laws promised to take better care of her and take her back to their home.

But on October 1, her husband Mustafa went to the house of his in-laws, where he abused his wife in filthy language and uttered instant triple talaq. On Thursday night, she approached the Kushaiguda police and lodged a complaint seeking action against her husband.

Ms Ruksana Begum said, “My husband told me I have crooked teeth and he does not like me, for which he pronounced triple talaq when he came to my parents' house. We were told lies about his profession and their financial status. Despite knowing about it, I was silent, as we were already married. But, they harassed me for additional dowry. All I want now is justice."

The Kushaiguda police said that a case has been registered against Mustafa under Section 498 A of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, and investigation has begun.

It may be recalled that in September this year, a case was registered against Mohammed Shareef, principal of a private school, for allegedly pronouncing triple talaq to his wife Sumaya Banu over a WhatsApp call made in November 2018. A case was registered with the Banjara Hills police.