In a distressing development from Lucknow, Hiba Rana, the 31-year-old daughter of celebrated Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, has come forward with serious allegations against her husband and father-in-law. She has accused them of dowry harassment, physical assault, and the pronouncement of triple talaq, a controversial practice in Muslim personal law.
Details of the Allegations and FIR Filing
Hiba Rana officially lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at the Saadatganj police station on Monday, bringing these grave charges to light. According to her statement, she married Syed Mohammad Saqib, son of Syed Haseeb Ahmed, on December 19, 2013. The marriage, which began over a decade ago, has now become the center of a legal battle following the recent incidents.
Incident of Assault and Harassment
Hiba detailed a specific incident that occurred on April 9, 2025, where she claims her husband subjected her to abuse and physical assault. The assault was reportedly linked to demands for additional dowry, highlighting a persistent issue of harassment that she has endured. This event prompted her to take legal action, seeking justice and protection under the law.
Legal Framework and Charges
Station House Officer (SHO) Santosh Kumar Arya of Saadatganj police station confirmed that an FIR has been registered against Syed Mohammad Saqib and his father, Syed Haseeb Ahmed. The charges are comprehensive, covering multiple legal provisions:
- Sections 85, 115(2), 351(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which pertain to various offenses including assault and criminal intimidation.
- Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, addressing the illegal demand and acceptance of dowry.
- Sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, which specifically deal with the practice of triple talaq and aim to protect the rights of Muslim women in marriage.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women in India regarding dowry-related violence and the misuse of religious practices. It also brings attention to the legal mechanisms in place to combat such issues, with authorities now investigating the matter thoroughly.
