Woman allegedly attacked with axe by estranged husband during child custody meeting in Ahmedabad

A 32-year-old woman was allegedly attacked with an axe by her estranged husband during a child custody counselling session at a social welfare organisation in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, leaving her with injuries to her right leg. The accused fled the scene after the attack, while the victim was rushed to Civil Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment.

The complainant, Dakshaben Vijaybhai Rawal, a resident of Asarwa, has accused her husband, Vijaybhai Becharbhai Rawal, 37, of assaulting her with an axe during a meeting at the Charumati Yoddha Department of Jyotisangh in the Patharkuva area.

Police said Dakshaben and Vijaybhai were married in 2010 and have two children — a 14-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter. In her complaint, Dakshaben alleged that her husband frequently harassed her, suspected her character and often picked quarrels over trivial issues.

She told police that she left her matrimonial home around three months ago because of the alleged harassment and has since been living with a friend in Asarwa. However, her two children continued to stay with their father. Seeking custody of the children, she had approached the Jyotisangh counselling centre and submitted an application on May 5 this year.

Both parties had been attending counselling sessions at the organisation, and Thursday's meeting had been scheduled for 1.30 pm. During the counselling session, Vijaybhai allegedly became agitated and left the office before returning around 2.30 pm, where he reportedly argued with Dakshaben over the custody of their children.

The complainant alleged that when she asserted that the children should remain in their mother's custody, Vijaybhai became enraged, fetched an axe and struck her on the upper part of her right leg.

Her screams drew the attention of staff members and others present at the organisation, following which the accused allegedly fled the spot. Employees of the organisation alerted the 108 emergency ambulance service, and Dakshaben was shifted to the Trauma Ward of Civil Hospital, where she continues to receive treatment.

Karanj police have registered a case against Vijaybhai Becharbhai Raval on the basis of the victim's complaint. Statements of the counselling centre staff and other witnesses present at the time of the incident are expected to form part of the investigation.