OMG

Indian Woman Says She Was Beaten by Mother-in-Law for Defying Temple Ban

Allegedly attacked her with a stick for entering Hindu temple that barred women for centuries.

One of the two Indian women who defied a centuries-old ban on women entering a Hindu temple is now recovering in a hospital after her mother-in-law allegedly attacked her with a wooden stick, including with blows to her head. Kanaka Durga had been in hiding since her Jan. 2 entry into the temple. When Durga returned home, her mother-in-law allegedly beat her. Friends say her family did not support her decision to enter the temple, and felt she had insulted their beliefs and tarnished the family name. The temple was historically closed to women of “menstruating age,” until India’s top court overturned the ban in September. Despite the ruling, protesters blocked any women who tried to enter. Durga and Bindu Ammini made history after they entered in the middle of the night, escorted by policemen. But as news of their entry spread, violent protests broke out and the two women were forced into hiding. Durga has filed a criminal case against her mother-in-law, according to police.

FINALLY

2 Women Enter Indian Temple That Banned Women for Centuries

Audrey McNamara