‘Mom, he will kill me today. I don’t have time’: Mother recalls chilling last call in Tripura teen assault case
Times of India
by TOI CITY DESKFebruary 22, 2026
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A 19-year-old student from Tripura has alleged that her live-in partner subjected her to severe physical and sexual abuse, including pouring sanitizer on her private parts and setting them on fire. The victim’s mother recounted a chilling phone call where the daughter feared for her life, stating, “I don’t have time, I will be killed” as she described being assaulted by her partner, Shivam, over three days of confinement. The woman was allegedly locked in a room, urinated on, burned multiple times daily, and raped. Her lawyer highlighted that while medical examinations confirmed rape, the police case filed only addresses minor injuries, omitting serious charges like attempted murder and sexual assault.
The victim met Shivam through online apps during her time studying biotechnology in Gurugram. After fleeing her home to escape further abuse, she was forced into a life-threatening situation by her partner. Her condition is described as critical, with severe physical injuries including burns and cuts across her body. The lawyer emphasized the gravity of the case, comparing it to the infamous Nirbhaya case due to its brutality and the psychological trauma inflicted on the victim.
This case has sparked outrage over the lack of justice for survivors of gender-based violence in India. Advocacy groups are calling for stronger legal action against Shivam, criticizing the police for not filing appropriate charges. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women seeking safety and justice in South Asia, where cases of domestic abuse and sexual violence often go unreported or underprosecuted.
The case highlights the urgent need for improved legal frameworks and societal support systems to protect victims of gender-based violence. Advocates emphasize that such incidents require comprehensive legal responses, including stricter penalties for perpetrators and better protection mechanisms for survivors. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by women in abusive relationships and the importance of raising awareness about their rights and safety.
This story is a harrowing example of the systemic issues women face when seeking justice for gender-based violence. The lack of proper legal action against the accused, despite clear evidence of severe abuse, raises questions about the effectiveness of India’s legal system in protecting women from such atrocities. Advocacy groups are urging stronger penalties and better support systems for survivors to ensure their safety and rights are upheld.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026