Shillong: A horrific case of domestic violence has come to light in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district, where a mother of six was allegedly set on fire by her husband, Dahun Dkhar, on September 26.
The crime, which surfaced only on November 18, has shocked the state, prompting a visit by National Commission for Women (NCW) member Delina Khongdup to Shillong Civil Hospital to assess the situation.
Khongdup, who took suo moto cognizance of the incident, held a meeting with the Medical Superintendent and doctors at the hospital. Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW), Iamon Syiem, was also present.
The survivor, who suffered third-degree burns covering 45% of her body, was admitted to Shillong Civil Hospital for the second time on November 19. Surgeon Dr. C. Wanniang revealed that she was first brought to the hospital on October 7 by her husband, who claimed she had accidentally fallen into a fireplace. At that time, no foul play was suspected.
Dr. Wanniang added that when the survivor refused to get further treatment, the police was alerted about the case.
According to a letter submitted to the West Jaintia Hills SP, the assault occurred on September 26 in Niriang village. The husband reportedly kicked a vessel of hot oil and fish at his wife, struck her with an iron blowpipe, and repeatedly assaulted her before dousing her with kerosene and setting her on fire.
The survivor attempted to escape with her infant child but was dragged back into the house and brutally beaten. Threatened by her husband and in-laws, she initially claimed to have been self-inflicted due to freustration.
Dahun Dkhar has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. The FIR was filed at Jowai Police Station under case number 91(11)2024, citing sections 124(1) and 351(3) of the BNS. R.M. Suchiang has been designated as the investigating officer.
Khongdup assured that the NCW would ensure the accused does not receive bail and urged the police to file a chargesheet promptly. She stressed the need for stricter laws to deter such crimes and called for increased awareness campaigns to encourage women to report domestic violence.
She also emphasised addressing the stigma that prevents many women from coming forward and announced plans to coordinate with the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to safeguard the well-being of the survivor’s six children.
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