According to the complaint, the victim approached the police after enduring prolonged abuse at the hands of her in-laws. She alleged that after her husband’s death, they repeatedly taunted her, accused her of practicing black magic, and blamed her for his demise. She was also subjected to character assassination and domestic violence.
The woman further claimed that her in-laws demanded ₹5 lakh as dowry and pressured her to transfer two acres of agricultural land, registered in her late husband’s name, to her brother-in-law. When she refused, she was threatened, her mobile phone was confiscated, and she was forcibly expelled from the house. Her minor daughter was allegedly kept back by the in-laws.
Harassment Began After Husband’s Death
The complainant, Poonam Verma, a resident of Dhamdha, stated that she was married to Ashwani Verma on May 12, 2014. The couple has an eight-year-old daughter, Kavya. Ashwani passed away on October 15, 2018, after which the alleged harassment began.
She told the court that her mother-in-law Shivkumari Verma, father-in-law Vijay Verma, and brother-in-law Suresh Verma constantly abused her verbally, calling her a “tonehi” (witch) and accusing her of having extramarital affairs. She was also allegedly threatened with murder and defamation.
Forced Eviction and Child Custody Dispute
On June 17, 2023, the accused allegedly forced the woman into a car and dropped her at her parental home in Daniya village, leaving her with only the clothes she was wearing. She claimed that her Aadhaar card, PAN card, ATM card, jewellery, and around ₹1.5 lakh in cash were retained by her in-laws.
When she later returned with relatives to bring back her daughter, she was allegedly denied entry and refused custody of the child. She was compelled to approach the court, which on October 20, 2023, ordered that her daughter be handed over to her.
FIR Registered After Court’s Intervention
Despite filing a written complaint at the women’s police station two years ago, no action was taken initially. The victim then moved the court under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code. Following court directions, the Bhilai Women’s Police Station has registered an FIR and initiated an investigation.
Police officials stated that the matter is being investigated impartially and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence.
