Ahmedabad woman files dowry harassment complaint against husband, in-laws

A 33-year-old woman from Chandkheda, in Ahmedabad, has filed a police complaint alleging sustained mental and physical harassment, dowry demands, and coercion by her husband and in-laws shortly after her marriage in 2021.

According to police, the case was registered on April 6. Priyankaben Chauhan, a business woman residing in Chandkheda, has accused her husband Bhavik Bharatbhai Chauhan, her brother-in-law Maulik Bharatbhai Chauhan, and mother-in-law Nayanaben Bharatbhai Chauhan of subjecting her to repeated cruelty over financial matters and alleged dowry-related issues.

The complainant stated that she had entered into a court marriage with Bhavik Chauhan on July 16, 2020, which was initially opposed by his family. Following reconciliation, a formal wedding ceremony was held in 2021, after which she began residing with her husband’s family in Chandkheda.

She alleged that within days of moving into her matrimonial home, disputes arose over finances, particularly after her husband lost his job. She claimed that her in-laws repeatedly pressured her to bear household expenses, account for her salary, and prioritise domestic work over her professional commitments, despite her working from home.

She further alleges that her in-laws demanded that she transfer or include her husband’s name in a residential property she had purchased in her own name using her earnings. She also claimed that she was taunted for “not bringing anything from her parental home” and was subjected to verbal abuse on multiple occasions.

The complainant stated that frequent quarrels led to her being sent back to her parental home in Chandkheda, with assurances from her husband that he would bring her back once he secured employment. However, she alleged that despite starting a food business later, her husband avoided resuming cohabitation and failed to provide clarity on their future.

She has also accused her husband of maintaining an inconsistent relationship, alleging that he would occasionally visit her but refused to live with her permanently and, at times, asked her to seek a divorce without providing any justification.

The FIR alleges that the accused persons collectively subjected her to mental and physical harassment over a prolonged period, coerced her regarding property matters, and repeatedly demanded dowry. She further alleged that she was abandoned at her parental home and not taken back despite repeated requests.

Based on the complaint, Chandkheda police have registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS and the Dowry Prohibition Act.