DowryHarassment – Thane Man, Family Booked After Miscarriage Allegation
DowryHarassment – Police in Maharashtra’s Thane district have registered a criminal case against a Mumbai-based software engineer and four of his family members following allegations that sustained harassment over dowry and physical assault led to his wife suffering a miscarriage.
Marriage Followed by Alleged Dowry Pressure
According to officials at the Vishnunagar police station, the woman, a resident of Dombivli, married the accused in April 2024. Her husband works as a software engineer and lives in the Parel area of Mumbai.
In her complaint, the woman stated that her father, a retired police officer, spent approximately Rs 5 lakh on the wedding ceremony and also provided gold ornaments as demanded by the groom’s family. Despite this, she alleged that pressure for additional money began shortly after the marriage.
The complainant further claimed that she discovered her husband was struggling with alcohol addiction soon after they started living together. When she raised concerns about his drinking habits, she was allegedly reprimanded by her in-laws. They reportedly told her she had no right to question him, asserting that her family had not given sufficient dowry during the marriage.
Anniversary Dispute and Alleged Assault
The situation escalated around the couple’s wedding anniversary last year, when an argument reportedly broke out over fresh monetary demands. As per the complaint, two members of her husband’s family allegedly verbally abused her father during the dispute and pushed her during the altercation.
She told police that the push caused her to fall, after which she experienced intense abdominal pain. At the time, she was pregnant.
Nearly a month later, during a routine medical examination, doctors informed her that the foetus had died in the womb. The woman stated in her complaint that medical professionals indicated the foetal death had likely occurred around the time of the fall and may have been linked to the injuries she sustained.
Documents Withheld, Threats Alleged
The woman also alleged that her in-laws withheld her Aadhaar card, a key identity document required for hospital formalities and medical procedures. She claimed this delayed her treatment and the necessary abortion process.
In addition, she told investigators that she was warned against approaching the police. According to her statement, family members threatened to throw her out of the house if she filed a complaint.
Police officials said the woman explained that she initially refrained from reporting the matter out of fear. She hoped the situation would improve and was concerned about losing access to her personal documents. However, after the abortion procedure, she alleged that her in-laws demanded an additional Rs 3 lakh in exchange for allowing her to return to the matrimonial home.
Case Registered Under BNS Provisions
Based on her complaint, authorities registered a case on February 20 against her husband, his parents, and two other relatives. The charges have been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cruelty, harassment, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt.
Police confirmed that an investigation is underway and that statements from the accused and other witnesses will be recorded as part of the legal process.
Officials have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made so far. They stated that further action will depend on the findings of the investigation and medical reports.
The case adds to ongoing concerns about dowry-related harassment and domestic violence, issues that continue to surface despite longstanding legal prohibitions. Authorities have reiterated that individuals facing abuse can approach law enforcement agencies for assistance and protection under the law.