The daughter of the beloved Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, Hiba Rana approaches Lucknow police to register a case under Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019. The move is taken as exceedingly ironic by many, after all. Munawwar Rana was consistently and openly against the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and specifically asked why Triple Talaq is now a criminal offence.
The Allegations: Dowry and Desertion
Hiba Rana married Syed Mohd Saqib in December 2013; according to FIR registered in the Saadatganj Police Station. Her husband and in-laws began to taunt her for further harassment after the wedding although her family had donated a large dowry at the time, she claims. Here’s a harrowing chronicle of abuse:
Financial Demands
Hiba says her in-laws wanted another ₹20 lakh in cash and a flat. The event: April 9, 2025, after a domestic argument that she claims involved assault by her husband who said "Talaq, Talaq, Talaq," and then kicked her out of the house.
Custody of Children
She also claimed her husband locked their two minor children in a room in the aftermath of the fight and the combination of them led to severe mental trauma for her.
Legal Standing
Saqib and family members have been booked by Lucknow police under various provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.
In a policy similar to the Modi government's, instantaneous Triple Talaq is now a cognizable non-bailable offence punishable by up to three years' imprisonment under the Law.
The Political Subtext
Munawwar Rana died in January 2024, well known not for poetry alone, but also for his opposition to the BJP system. He notoriously vowed to flee Uttar Pradesh if the then ruling party came back to power, and spoke out strongly in the “Award Wapsi” effort. Social media users and politicos have pointed to this paradox: the shield Munawwar Rana had previously looked on with doubt, he says, is now his daughter's sole legal tool to preserve her rights and safety.
Current Status
The investigation continues, the Saadatganj police officials confirmed. “We have an FIR registered according to the victim’s statement and the evidence which was provided. A senior police spokesperson said: “We are currently tracking the whereabouts of the accused.”
