The condition of a woman from Niriang village, West Jaiñtia Hills district, who was burnt by her husband, is stable.
The survivor was brought to Shillong and admitted to the Civil Hospital yesterday for the second time after authorities took swift action following a report of the incident by Highland Post.
Her husband Dahun Dkhar, who has been arrested, set her on fire on September 26, 2024. The incident was brought to the fore on November 18 when a well-wisher visited the house to find out about her long absence from social places, only to discover the horrible truth that she was lying in her bed with severe burn injuries and no medical treatment.
Surgeon Dr Cliff Wanniang, who is treating the survivor, informed that she suffered third-degree burns covering 45 per cent of her body and is responding to the medications.
According to the surgeon, the survivor was first brought to the Shillong Civil Hospital for the first time on October 7 accompanied by her husband.
It may be noted that a question was raised on why hospital authorities allowed the patient with serious burn injuries to be discharged.
Dr Wanniang said the hospital at that time suspected no foul play because the patient was brought by her husband, who claimed she had accidentally fallen into a fireplace.
“On November 1, the patient was persistent to discharge and refused any medical treatment. We informed the police booth at the hospital and believed them to follow up on the matter,” the surgeon said.
National Women’s Commission (NCW) member Delina Khongdup and Meghalaya State Women’s Commission (MSWC) chairperson Iamonlang Syiem today visited the survivor and vowed that such a heinous crime would not go unpunished.
Khongdup said the woman had suffered domestic abuse for a “very long time.” She said after an interaction with the mother of the survivor, it is learnt that five years back the survivor and her daughter were beaten up by the accused. Though a complaint was made to the police, the NCW member said they were not aware if an FIR was accepted or not.
“She has been keeping quiet for many years,” Khongdup added.
She urged victims of domestic abuse to raise their voice. “If not with the police, such women should approach the village council,” she said.
The NCW member also held a meeting with the Medical Superintendent and doctors at Civil Hospital.
Khongdup said that the commission will ensure that the accused does not get bail and urged the police to file a chargesheet promptly.
She also stressed the need to have awareness programs to encourage women to report domestic violence and highlighted that stigmatisation is one of the reasons that women are reluctant to come forward and report such violence.
The NCW is also coordinating with the State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights to ensure the well-being and safety of the six children.
MSWC chairperson has stressed on the need to strengthen coordination between the commission and the one stop centres and the need to appoint a social worker at the hospital to take up such cases.
Meanwhile the accused husband who was arrested under section 124 (1)/351 (3) of the BNS have been remanded to five days police custody.
