Ranchi-based human rights activist Gladson Dungdung, a vociferous critic of violence against women at international conferences, is facing arrest for allegedly torturing his wife for dowry back home.

Barkha Lakra (30), who married Dungdung in May 2011, held a news meet in the state capital on Friday afternoon, claiming to 'expose the atrocities' she has been subjected too.

Her 35-year-old activist-author husband, against whom police registered a case under Section 498A of the IPC following an FIR two months ago, is absconding.

'I had tied the knot with Gladson because he championed the cause of women empowerment. However, two years into our marriage, I realised he was a person who did not respect women. He has been violent and inhuman towards me. He also has extramarital affairs,' Lakra, a resident of Karamtoli, said.

The young woman stressed that Dungdung had been using his clout to muzzle her voice against his atrocities towards her. 'It is evident from the delay in police action. I had lodged an FIR with Ranchi Sadar police more than two months ago,' she said.

Officer-in-charge of Sadar police station Ranjeet Kumar Sinha confirmed that a complaint had been lodged against the rights activist. 'An FIR under Section 498A (torture for dowry) was registered against Gladson Dungdung on August 22. He could not be arrested so far because he has been absconding since registration of the FIR,' Sinha said.

The Telegraph could not reach Dungdung for his comments. His mobile phone was found switched off on Friday.

This is not the first time Dungdung has landed himself in controversy. In June 2011, the former member of a Planning Commission sub-committee was on CBI radar for his possible links with anti-national organisations.