Bengaluru: Woman files complaint against husband for forcing her to take virginity test

After five years of marriage, Maya, a 31-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru, finally sought action against her husband who allegedly harassed her before and after marriage. On 24 May, she filed a police complaint against her husband for forcing her to take a virginity test when they were engaged.

She is seeking action against her in-laws too for supporting her husband during the incident.

Police informed that the couple got introduced through a matrimonial site in 2011. According to a Bangalore Mirror report, her husband, who is a scientist, had asked her to undergo a virginity test to assert her "honour." The husband had reportedly asked for the examination in 2011 when they were engaged to be married in two months. He allegedly wanted the virginity test after seeing some of her pictures on Facebook, reported Bangalore Mirror.

A humiliated Maya was taken to a hospital in Rajajinagar, Bangalore, where she was examined. The results showed that she "passed" the test, Bangalore Mirror reported. Her husband suspected her of cheating even after marriage and mentally harassed her.

Bangalore Mirror quoted Maya as saying, "I was shocked at first. I wanted to tell them that I was a virgin. But had I refused to take the test, they would have doubted me. And since I was engaged to him, I agreed to undergo the test."

An investigation officer said that Maya has alleged that her husband derived 'sadistic pleasure' from harassing her. She has also alleged that her in-laws harassed her for dowry.

The News Minute reported that police have sent notices to Maya's husband and the other accused. The officer said: "In such cases, the Apex Court hears the version of the accused and then decides upon the matter, an official said." He further added, "We are contemplating counselling for the couple so that the wedding is not called off. The woman can still withdraw her complaint by approaching the court."

--Names changed to protect identity