In the quiet corners of certain communities in India, a centuries-old practice continues to shadow the lives of young girls. Known locally as Khatna or Khafz, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a reality that remains largely hidden behind a "conspiracy of silence". Despite global efforts to eradicate the practice, recent data from 2026 indicates that it remains deeply entrenched, particularly within the Dawoodi Bohra community, where research suggests that 75% to 85% of women have undergone the procedure, typically between the ages of six and seven.
This article explores the medical, psychological, and legal realities of Khatna, drawing on recent research and survivor accounts to shed light on a practice that survivor-led movements are now fighting to end.
The Anatomy of a Secret: Scale and Tradition
In India, Khatna is predominantly practised by the Dawoodi Bohra community, a Shia Muslim sect. Research indicates a staggering prevalence rate, with approximately 75% to 85% of women within this community having undergone the procedure. The ritual is typically performed on young girls between the ages of six and seven, a developmental stage where children are highly dependent on their primary caregivers for safety.
The cultural justification for Khatna is rooted in the management of female sexuality. It is intended to reduce a woman’s libido to ensure "purity" before marriage and "fidelity" thereafter. By framing a biological function as something that must be "tamed" or "curbed," the practice reinforces a social structure where a woman's value is tied to the physical modification of her body.
Zero Medical Benefit: The Science of Scar Tissue
From a clinical perspective, there is no medical benefit to Khatna. The procedure usually involves the removal of the clitoral hood or the clitoral glans. Because these procedures are often performed in non-sterile environments without professional medical oversight, the immediate physical dangers are severe. These include haemorrhage (uncontrollable bleeding), shock, and acute infection.
The long-term medical crisis is often more insidious. As the body attempts to heal from the "Boti" cut, the resulting scar tissue can lead to a lifetime of complications. Survivors frequently report:
- Chronic Pain: Persistent discomfort in the pelvic region due to nerve damage or scarring.
- Urinary Issues: Difficulty or pain during urination caused by structural changes to the anatomy.
- Obstetric Complications: Life-threatening issues during childbirth, as the elasticity of the tissue required for delivery is compromised by old scars.
The Body Remembers: Exploring Betrayal Trauma
Perhaps the most damaging aspect of Khatna is not the physical cut, but the "Betrayal Trauma" that accompanies it. In most cases, the child is not taken to the procedure by a stranger, but by their mother or grandmother, the individuals they trust most in the world.
This creates a profound "conspiracy of silence". To ensure compliance, families often use "sweets or gifts" to lure the child into the traumatic event. When the person who is supposed to be the child's ultimate protector becomes the participant in their pain, it destroys the child’s fundamental sense of safety.
The psychological fallout is extensive and often lifelong. This can lead to severe problems like:
- PTSD and Anxiety: Many survivors experience flashbacks and heightened states of vigilance.
- Fractured Body Image: The association of one’s own anatomy with "shame" and "pain" leads to a deep-seated struggle with self-identity and intimacy.
- Neurological Impact: The trauma of the event can leave lasting imprints on the developing brain's response to stress and trust.
The Legal Landscape and Social Pressure
As of March 2026, India still lacks a dedicated, standalone law explicitly banning FGM. However, the legal landscape has shifted significantly. The practice is now prosecutable under:
The POCSO Act (2012) Specifically as a form of penetrative sexual assault or aggravated assault against minors.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the IPC in 2024, allows for charges related to "voluntarily causing grievous hurt".
The landmark case of Sunita Tiwari vs. Union of India remains a pivotal touchstone in the Supreme Court. Although referred to a larger seven-judge bench in 2019 to be examined alongside other issues of constitutional morality, activists still eagerly await a final verdict. The survival of the practice is largely attributed to intense social pressure; many families fear being "outcasts" or socially boycotted if they do not comply with the tradition.
Breaking the Silence: The Path Forward
The tide is turning. Survivor-led movements such as Sahiyo and WeSpeakOut are breaking the generational silence. Recent surveys indicate that over 80% of women who underwent Khatna do not wish to continue the practice on their own daughters. By reframing the conversation from one of "tradition" to one of human rights and bodily autonomy, these advocates are ensuring that the next generation is the first to grow up whole. As more survivors share their stories, the "invisible reality" of FGM in India is finally being brought into the light, paving the way for a future where the next generation of girls can grow up with their bodies and their trust Intact.
References:
- Asia Network to End FGM/C. (n.d.). India regional brief.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). (2023). Act No. 45 of 2023. Gazette of India.
- Equality Now. (2024). FGM in Asia: The invisible reality.
- Human Rights Watch. (2025). Traditional practices and bodily autonomy: A report on FGM/C in South Asia.
- Journal of Sexual Medicine. (n.d.). Physical and psychosexual complications of FGM.
- Ministry of Women and Child Development. (2012). The POCSO Act, 2012. Government of India.
- PubMed / NIH. (n.d.). Psychological consequences of female genital mutilation.
- Sahiyo. (2024). The clitoral hood: A contested site (Dawoodi Bohra survey).
- Supreme Court of India. (n.d.). Sunita Tiwari vs. Union of India (PIL Case Status).
- UNICEF. (2024). Female genital mutilation: A global concern (2024 global report).
- UN Women. (2024). Survivor-led advocacy in the digital age: Breaking the silence in India.
- WeSpeakOut. (2024). The "Khatna" study: Understanding FGM/C in India.
- World Health Organisation (WHO). (2024). Female genital mutilation overview (Fact sheet).