Ahmedabad: Ranip woman files cruelty case against husband, in-laws

Ahmedabad: A 38-year-old woman from Ranip on Friday lodged a police complaint accusing her husband, father-in-law, who is a retired jail department officer, and other family members of prolonged physical, mental and financial harassment, including dowry demands, intimidation and assault spanning several years.

According to the complaint, the woman got married in 2009 and initially lived in a joint family setup in Ranip. She alleged that despite her family providing gold ornaments, household items and cash at the time of marriage, she was repeatedly taunted for bringing “inadequate dowry” and was humiliated over her looks, caste and financial status.

The complainant alleged that after 2018, the situation inside the house deteriorated sharply as frequent liquor parties were allegedly organized at the residence by her husband and in-laws. She claimed that unknown men regularly visited the house to consume alcohol and allegedly purchase liquor, creating an unsafe environment for her daughter.

She further alleged that her husband, often under the influence of alcohol, physically assaulted her, forced unnatural relations and stopped providing money for household expenses and her children’s education. She also accused the family of repeatedly pressuring her to obtain money, property and jewellery from her widowed mother and relatives.

The woman alleged that her father-in-law frequently threatened her by claiming he had strong contacts and access to “criminal elements” from prison networks. She also alleged that he made inappropriate remarks, attempted physical advances, and claimed hidden cameras had been installed inside the house.

The FIR further states that the woman sustained multiple injuries due to alleged negligence and harassment at home. She claimed she suffered burns after a pressure cooker exploded, slipped on oil allegedly poured on staircases, and sustained a leg fracture after falling from stairs in Oct last year. She alleged that despite severe pain, family members denied her timely medical treatment.

The complainant also accused her husband of having an extramarital affair and said the family repeatedly pressured her to agree to divorce and leave the house with her two children.

Based on the complaint filed at Ranip police station on Friday, police registered an FIR under sections related to cruelty, criminal intimidation, assault, obscenity and dowry prohibition laws against five family members, including the complainant’s husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Allegations in FIR

The complainant claimed she was humiliated over appearance and financial background

Husband allegedly assaulted her after consuming alcohol and forced physical relations

Allegations of threats by father-in-law claiming links with “dangerous prisoners”

Complaint accuses father-in-law of inappropriate behaviour and hidden camera threats

The husband allegedly refused to pay school fees and daily expenses for the children

The woman claimed her daughter was shifted to a hostel due to frequent liquor parties

According to the complaint, the accused wanted the children shifted to municipal schools despite both children performing well academically