Hyderabad: Allegations have surfaced against some mahila mandalis in Hyderabad over their alleged handling of matrimonial disputes, with community members and social workers raising concerns about coercion, harassment and demands for money.
Mahila mandalis generally work on women’s welfare, empowerment, vocational training and social development. However, several complaints circulating among community members and on social media allege that some organisations have adopted coercive methods while attempting to mediate family disputes.
In one case, Neha Begum of Bahadurpura alleged that two women took her to a mahila mandali office in Hussaini Alam against her will following a dispute involving her husband and the Shaadi Mubarak scheme. She alleged that she was asked to sign a document and later learned that her signature had allegedly been obtained on papers related to Khula, or divorce.
In another complaint, Raheem of Misrigunj alleged that his cousin, who has mental health issues, was repeatedly called to a mahila mandali office in Lal Darwaza over a family dispute. He alleged that instead of receiving counselling, his cousin was pressured over his inability to work and contribute financially to the household.
A resident of Teegalkunta, who requested anonymity, alleged that her brother was called to a mahila mandali office over a matrimonial dispute and was allegedly slapped and humiliated during the interaction.
Community leader Mirza Abid Baig alleged that some women were forming societies or NGOs with the support of influential political figures and retired police officials and subsequently intervening in matrimonial disputes. He called for greater monitoring of organisations involved in such activities.
Social worker S.Q. Masood alleged that some organisations had collected between Rs 30,000 and Rs 50,000 from families while claiming that the money was required for settling disputes or making payments to police.
Community representatives and social workers said matrimonial disputes should instead be handled through trained counsellors and lawful mediation mechanisms. They also called for authorities to verify complaints against organisations accused of misusing their welfare mandate.
The allegations against the organisations and individuals mentioned in the complaints have not been independently established. Any specific claims of coercion, assault or financial demands would require verification through the appropriate authorities.
