A deeply disturbing family dispute in Ahmedabad came to light after an 18-year-old woman approached the Abhayam women’s helpline for help when her father allegedly declared her “dead” and performed symbolic last rites while she was still alive.
According to counsellors associated with the Abhayam service, relatives and neighbours were stunned when the girl’s father placed a sandalwood garland around her photograph and lit an earthen lamp beside it—customary symbols used to honour the deceased. The father reportedly wanted to send a message that his daughter was “dead to him” because he believed she had eloped.
The incident gained wider attention after the father posted the photograph of the memorial-like arrangement on social media, triggering shock, confusion and concern among people who saw it.
Daughter Had Left Home, But Had Not Eloped
Following the social media post, the young woman contacted the Abhayam women’s helpline and explained her side of the story.
A counsellor said the woman reported that her father became extremely angry after she left home. She had been staying with her mother at her maternal uncle’s residence for some time. However, her father assumed that she had run away with a young man with whom he believed she was in a relationship.
The woman maintained that she had not eloped. Instead, she had left because of ongoing family tensions and wanted to continue her studies.
Troubled Family Background
During counselling sessions, Abhayam personnel learned more about the family’s history. According to the counsellor, the woman’s parents had fallen in love and married around 19 years ago. However, the relationship reportedly became strained over the years.
The woman’s mother alleged that her husband had concealed an earlier marriage from her at the time they got married. This revelation reportedly contributed to growing tensions within the family.
Allegations of Violence and Suspicion
Counsellors said the father’s behaviour allegedly became increasingly aggressive over time. He began accusing his wife of having an extramarital affair. According to the counsellor, he also became paranoid and believed that his daughter had prevented him from allowing her to attend college.
The daughter too allegedly became a victim of his violent behaviour. Counsellors said she reported being beaten by her father after he learned about her relationship with a young man.
Daughter Says Career Comes First
During interactions with the helpline, the young woman reportedly stated that she had no plans to marry at present. Instead, she wanted to focus on building her career and pursuing her education. She said her father’s actions and behaviour had ultimately compelled her to leave home.
Helpline Steps In
Abhayam counsellors intervened before the father could organise what was described as a “condolence meeting” for his living daughter.
The helpline team conducted counselling sessions with the father, mother and daughter in an attempt to resolve the situation.
However, the young woman remained firm in her decision. According to counsellors, she refused to return to her father, stating that if he could perform such actions while she was alive, he had effectively ceased to be her father in her eyes.
Current Situation
The 18-year-old has decided to continue living with her mother at her maternal uncle’s home. She intends to pursue her studies and focus on her future, while staying away from her father.
The unusual case highlights the severe consequences of family conflict, mistrust, violence and social stigma, and underscores the role of counselling services in intervening before such disputes escalate further.
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