It is a matter of national shame how even in the 21st century our educated and independent daughters are facing dowry harassment at the hands of their husbands and in-laws. What’s even more disappointing is how these well-educated women find it easy to give up on their lives rather than moving out of toxic marriage!
Recently, when 21-year-old law student Mofiya Parveen Dilshad ended her life due to harassment, many were left shocked and heartbroken. Hailing from Kerala’s Aluva, Mofiya was studying LLB at a college in Thodupuzha, Kerala.
“Papa, you were right. He was not a good man….” — This is what law student Mofiya Parveen Dilshad wrote before ending her life on the night of Tuesday, November 23. In her suicide note, she named her husband Muhammed Suhail, his parents Yusuf and Rukhia, and also the Circle Inspector of the Aluva police station for not taking any action against these greedy monsters.
What Happened?
Suhail, the accused, started chatting with Mofiya on Facebook after her family rejected his proposal through a marriage broker. Within no time, a relationship was formed between Suhail and Mofiya and the couple got married in April this year. According to the victim’s father Dilshad V Salim and her friends, Suhail had said that he had a job in the UAE, and that he was a vlogger. But, immediately after the marriage, Suhail told Mofiya that he wanted to become a movie producer and for which he would need Rs 40 lakh.
But our independent and educated Mofiya, did not believe in dowry. And, hence, she refused Suhail’s demand.
Post which, the trouble began for Mofiya. According to her father, Mofiya became a victim of domestic abuse. He said that Suhail was in reality unemployed and depended on Mofiya’s earnings from her work as an artist. After struggling in abusive and toxic marriage, Mofiya gathered the courage and filed a domestic violence complaint with the Aluva police against Suhail and his family. Recently, the Circle Inspector CL Sudhir arranged a meeting at the police station and called the families.
During the meeting, the inspector was not only rude to Mofiya but also made her feel like the criminal. This made Mofiya feel dejected. And, hours after she returned from the station, Mofiya died by suicide. In her suicide note, she wrote that action should be taken against the policeman too.
Though the police have arrested Suhail and his parents for abetment to suicide, there has been no case still registered against CI Sudhir. People have been protesting outside the station, demanding action against the Circle Inspector.
The Bottom Line
Even though the investigation is on, Mofiya’s death is just another ugly reminder of how even educated women are made victims of dowry harassment. It is high time that parents let their daughters know that they are always welcome back if they are not treated well after marriage. It is high time that parents support their daughters to move out of toxic and abusive marriage because divorced daughters are always better than dead daughters!
R.I.P Mofiya, we failed you!
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
