Nirmala Shahi, wife of Man Bahadur Malla, who has been working at Jwaladal Battalion under Maheshwori Brigade of the Armed Police Force in Surkhet, said that the authorities have turned a deaf ear to her pleas for justice. [break]
“My husband promises to mend his ways in front of the police and in the court room. But as soon as he is set free, he tortures me both physically and mentally,” Nirmala told media persons in Birendranagar.
According to Nirmala, Malla was forced to accept her as his wife after he “raped” and impregnated her four years ago. She claimed that Malla had “raped” her while she worked for him as a domestic help in his house in Uttarganga in Surkhet. On October 24, 2010, Nirmala gave birth to a daughter.
“I lodged a police complaint against him after he raped me. But the case was settled after he agreed in writing to accept me as his wife,” she said, adding that Malla had taken her home but his mother and sister drove her out of his home.
After being forced out of his house, Nirmala had filed a case at the district court seeking alimony from the husband. But the case was settled after Man Bahadur promised before District Judge Kul Prasad Sharma that he would register their marriage, help Nirmala acquire citizenship and register the birth of their daughter.
“But he turned into a beast as soon as he emerged out of the court room. He does not want to accept me as his wife,” Nirmala claimed.
Nirmala, 23, who is illiterate, is worried about the future of her daughter. Despite several attempts, Malla was not available for the comments.
However, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Prem Shahi, the head of the Maheshwori Brigade, informed that they are trying to bring both sides for talks to resolve the case amicably. He also said that they would make Malla pay alimony to Nirmala, if she wishes to live separately.
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