Rewa, Aug 25 — A marriage strained by allegations of dowry demands, physical assault and mental harassment was given a second chance after sustained counselling by a ‘One Stop’ centre in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa helped an estranged couple resolve their differences and decide to live together again.
The case of Ranjana Sahu and her husband, Sunil Sahu, from Mahri village under Hanumana police station in Mauganj district highlights how persistent dialogue and timely intervention can address family disputes before they culminate in separation. Mauganj was separated from Rewa and became a new district in 2023.
The couple married on December 13, 2021, and initially had a normal relationship. Their marital life, however, later deteriorated, prompting Ranjana to approach the Rewa One Stop Centre with allegations that her in-laws had demanded a vehicle as dowry and that her husband physically assaulted and mentally harassed her, particularly after consuming intoxicants.
Following the complaint, the centre contacted both parties and initiated counselling. Sunil did not appear on the first scheduled date, June 9. Officials continued their efforts to contact him and eventually persuaded him to appear at the centre on June 16.
Shruti Mishra, Administrator-in-Charge of the Rewa One Stop Centre, told IANS that the counselling aimed to allow both sides to speak openly and understand each other’s concerns, while keeping the woman’s dignity and safety at the centre of the intervention. Mishra, counsellor Salma Khan, Head Constable Ranjana Tiwari and case workers conducted counselling sessions with the couple.
They emphasised mutual respect, trust and communication and discussed ways to resolve disagreements without violence. The husband was counselled about the consequences of substance abuse and violent behaviour and advised against physical assault and mental harassment. The sessions also focused on family responsibility and the need to provide a stable environment for their children.
The intervention yielded results within days. On June 18, both parties reached a mutually agreed settlement and decided to resume their married life. Sunil gave written as well as verbal assurances that he would not subject his wife to physical abuse or mental harassment in the future. He said the counselling helped them understand each other’s feelings and think about their family's future, adding that they had decided to put the bitterness behind them and make an effort to live peacefully together.
The centre has continued to monitor the case and asked the couple to return for a follow-up meeting on July 20.
Notably, the One Stop Centre functions under the Women and Child Development Department of the Madhya Pradesh government, with the primary objective of providing counselling, protection and support to women facing violence, harassment and other crises.