In a shocking development that has rocked Rajasthan's bureaucratic circles, a senior female IAS officer has filed a domestic violence case against her husband, who is also a serving IAS officer. The case exposes disturbing allegations of physical abuse, mental harassment, and dowry demands within what appeared to be a power couple marriage.
Senior IAS Officer Files FIR Against Husband
Nidhi Pundir, a 2013-batch IAS officer currently serving as the Director of Elementary Education in Rajasthan, has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against her husband Dinesh S, a 2012-batch IAS officer who holds the position of Secretary in the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). The case was officially registered on Tuesday at Jaipur's Jyoti Nagar police station under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The complaint includes serious charges under Sections 498A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC. Additionally, the case invokes relevant sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act, indicating the gravity of the allegations.
Pattern of Abuse and Harassment Revealed
According to the detailed FIR, the marital relationship between the two senior bureaucrats began showing signs of strain shortly after their marriage in 2018. Nidhi Pundir has alleged that her husband Dinesh S subjected her to consistent physical violence and mental torture over an extended period, creating an environment of fear and intimidation within their marriage.
The complaint outlines specific instances where the accused IAS officer allegedly demanded significant dowry from his wife and her family. This demand for additional dowry continued even after their marriage, with the officer reportedly insisting on receiving a luxury car and other expensive items as part of the dowry settlement.
Perhaps most disturbingly, the FIR details an incident of physical assault that occurred in October 2022. Nidhi Pundir has claimed that her husband physically attacked her at their residence in Jaipur's Civil Lines area, leaving her with visible injuries and trauma. This incident appears to have been a breaking point in the already strained relationship.
Career Implications and Official Response
The case has significant implications for both officers' careers, given their senior positions in the Rajasthan administration. Both Nidhi Pundir and Dinesh S hold important responsibilities in the state government, with their professional reputations now under scrutiny due to the serious nature of the allegations.
Police authorities have confirmed that the FIR has been registered and that investigations are currently underway. Law enforcement officials are examining the evidence presented and are expected to follow due process in dealing with the sensitive case involving two senior government officials.
The Rajasthan administration is monitoring the situation closely, as the case involves two serving IAS officers whose work impacts important government departments. The outcome of the investigation could have professional consequences for both officers involved, depending on the findings and subsequent legal proceedings.
This case highlights the troubling reality that domestic violence can affect individuals across all socioeconomic backgrounds, including highly educated professionals holding senior government positions. It serves as a reminder that abuse knows no social or economic boundaries and that legal protections must be accessible to all victims, regardless of their professional status or social standing.
