Ahmedabad woman accuses husband, in-laws of sustained abuse, financial fraud

A 38-year-old schoolteacher from Chandkheda has lodged a police complaint alleging prolonged physical and mental harassment, financial exploitation, and domestic violence at the hands of her husband and in-laws. The FIR, registered on Wednesday, names her husband Kirit Baldevbhai Gohel, along with her mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, as accused.

The complaint filed by Dalaben Gohel, who currently resides with her two-year-old daughter at her parental home in Chandkheda, states that the abuse began soon after marriage in November 2017. She has alleged that her in-laws subjected her to constant taunts, forced her to perform household chores despite her teaching job in Viramgam, and even made her sleep in the bathroom on occasions. They would object to her attire, insisting on only wearing a saree, and would often remind her not to bring anything from her parents’ home.

The complaint further mentions that her husband, a government primary school teacher, would physically assault her on weekends when he visited the family home. In March 2018, she alleged, she was beaten and thrown out of the house, following which there was no contact from her in-laws for nearly two years.

Dalaben has also accused her in-laws of financial exploitation, claiming that over ₹10 lakh was withdrawn from her account without her knowledge. Her ATM card was taken away and money was used for purchasing a car and fixed deposits in my husband’s name.

Despite a reconciliation attempt in 2021, the alleged abuse continued. The complainant stated that even during her pregnancy, she was forced to do strenuous household work, and after the birth of her daughter in October 2022, her in-laws stopped contacting her.

She further alleged that in July this year, her husband and in-laws assaulted her again, following which she briefly stayed with them before being abandoned. The FIR notes that her husband has been repeatedly demanding a divorce and threatening to kill her if she resists.

Police said the case has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS pertaining to domestic violence, criminal intimidation, and financial fraud. Further probe is underway to verify the allegations and statements of all parties involved, officers said.