DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 9 (MExN): The case of Priya Dey, a victim of self-immolation, appeared in the news but it went unnoticed just like any other case of suicide. At first it was assumed that the woman took the extreme step out of mere frustration, yet, beneath the speculation was a tragic story of utter domestic torment; and which, sadly, everyone aware of the case failed to hit upon.
Thirteen days after the suicide attempt, today, the 22 year-old, who taught at St Mary Montessori School Dimapur, is on life support with 90 percent burns to the body, still beseeching that someone end her life for good, while the society at large remains indifferent to a case which deserves utmost attention.
It was alleged that she was driven to take the extreme step no longer able to tolerate the constant torment of her husband and in-laws. Her family also filed a criminal case against the husband’s family alleging domestic torment as the reason behind the failed suicide attempt. The party on the other side disagreed counter claiming it was not so.
On Saturday, visiting mediapersons were told that the husband, Gautam Dey and his family have even threatened the woman’s family to withdraw the police complaint lodged at the Women Cell, Dimapur, while refusing to foot the medical expenses. The complaint was registered against five persons said to be the in-laws of the woman.
It was further told that their pleas for justice have gone unheard till date. The family had even approached the Naga Women Hoho, Dimapur for help, only, response is awaited.
But there is help for Priya and her family. A member of the District Legal Services Authority, Esther Aye have taken up their case while the society at the large, the government and the so called champions of gender rights have chosen to remain silent. With the lawyer’s help, the family has obtained a court order directing the in-laws to pay for the medical expenses. On the other hand, the husband’s family has failed to totally follow up on the court order. Pending the unpaid medical dues, doctors at the hospital are refusing further treatment. This has prompted the lawyer to file another complaint against the husband’s family in the court, which the lawyer said will be done on Monday. It was further informed that a hearing on the case is scheduled on March 12.
When the news of the incident emerged on January 27, the day the woman took the extreme step, it was reported that the husband was also partially burned while trying to save his wife. No foul play was suspected by the police when the complaint was received. Sources had reported the next day that the police were yet to register a case citing inability to record the woman’s statement owing to her feeble physical condition. Confusion also arose as under which section of the law the case would be registered.
