In a disturbing incident from Gujarat’s Mehsana district, a 30-year-old woman suffered severe burn injuries after she was allegedly forced by her sister-in-law and three others to dip her hands into boiling oil as a so-called “test of loyalty” to her husband. The act took place on September 16 in Gerita village, located in Vijapur taluka.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The heinous act only came to light after a chilling video of the incident went viral on social media three days later, prompting widespread outrage and swift police action. The video shows the woman being coerced by the accused to immerse her fingers in a pot of scalding oil. As soon as she does so, she is seen recoiling in agony, suffering visible burns.

Police File FIR, Accused Flee Scene

Based on the woman’s complaint, the Vijapur police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against four individuals: her sister-in-law Jamuna Thakor, Jamuna’s husband Manubhai Thakor, and two unidentified men. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Dineshsinh Chauhan, all four suspects are currently absconding, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

“The victim’s sister-in-law suspected that she was not loyal to her husband. So Jamuna along with her husband and two other men decided to make her undergo an ordeal. They told her she will not get any burns if she had been a loyal wife,” said Chauhan.

Superstition and Patriarchy at Play

Police investigations reveal that the accused were acting on a superstitious belief: they told the woman that if she were truly loyal to her husband, she would not suffer burns. The horrifying ordeal highlights the continued prevalence of regressive beliefs and patriarchal attitudes in parts of rural India, where women are still subjected to brutal practices under the guise of tradition or morality.

Victim Undergoing Treatment

The victim is currently being treated at a hospital in Vijapur for her burn injuries. Authorities have assured that stringent action will be taken once the accused are located. The incident has sparked discussions on the urgent need to tackle superstition and gender-based violence through education and legal reform.

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