VARANASI: Is the women helpline of the district police being used as a medium to secure nuclear family status by women? The answer would be yes if one went by the outcome of the investigations conducted by the helpline officials.

According to helpline incharge Maya Devi, a majority of complainants have been found to be misutilising the dowry act. Mainly, women from lower and middle classes turn up with complaints against their husbands under this act. But, when their matter is investigated, it is mostly found that the women are just interested in living with their husband but in-laws. "They try to use this facility to their end," she said.

Claims of harassment are made mainly in cases where the husband is not willing to keep his wife with him. Maya informed that husband resorted to violence in most of such cases. Recalling a case in Aurangabad, she said increasing intimacy with her in-laws proved lethal for Natasha as her marriage ended within a year. Her husband became doubtful of her character and started torturing her mentally by harping on a separation. Natasha had to take shelter of the women helpline. Police held meetings with the relatives of the couple. "Finally, the doubts of Natasha's husband become clear and now she is enjoying a happy life," she informed.

The incharge said in many cases, parents of women were spoiling their marital life. Chandan's married life was disturbed by none other than his mother-in-law, she said, mentioning another case. Chandan, hailing from a rich family, had married Riddhi a few years back and had two children from her. But, Riddhi's mother, for her vested interests, provoked her daughter to force her husband to make arrangements for her to live with her mother and children separately. The helpline cops had to hold a long series of counselling sessions with Riddhi, after which she become convinced that her mother was spoiling her married life.

The sleuths of this helpline succeeded in saving these marriages. But, Vijay Saxena's marriage could not be saved despite all efforts. After falling in love with Latika, Vijay married her in 1996. Vijay, a contractor by profession, proved an ideal husband for her as he not only purchased property in her name but also deposited all his earning in her bank accounts. They also had two children. But, after some time, Latika started serving some private company where she fell in love of her senior colleague. After Vijay become aware of the same, their life was disturbed.

This matter was brought to women helpline by Latika. But, when the investigation started, Vijay succeeded in proving that Latika's extra marital relation was the reason for the problem. Despite all efforts, the matter could not be settled. Latika has now filed divorce in court. Maya said the counselling sessions conducted by the helpline had yielded positive results, as out of 479 complaints received at her cell this year, the requirement of filing FIR was found only in 10 cases. (Names of complainants changed on request)

Outcome of Women Helpline investigations and counselling sessions