In a shocking incident from Ludhiana, a 26-year-old woman has filed a police complaint leading to the arrest of her father-in-law on charges of sexual assault and harassment. The city police acted swiftly after the survivor detailed a traumatic account of rape and persistent abuse within her marital home.
Details of the Alleged Assault and Harassment
The survivor, who was married into the family in 2024, stated in her formal complaint that the incident occurred several days ago in the afternoon. She alleged that her father-in-law called her to his room under the pretext of some work. Once she entered, he locked the door and raped her.
Distraught, the woman approached her husband to report the assault. However, her husband refused to believe her allegations, leaving her isolated. The situation escalated the very next day when, according to her complaint, the accused made obscene gestures towards her from a bathroom. This final act of harassment became the catalyst for her to flee the house and seek refuge at her parents' home, from where she approached the police.
Police Action and Case Registration
The investigating officer, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Parmjit Singh, confirmed the arrest. The police moved quickly after recording the woman's statement. A case has been registered under Section 64 (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on her testimony. The accused was subsequently taken into custody.
ASI Parmjit Singh stated that the investigation is ongoing and will involve standard procedures like medical examinations and recording further statements as the case progresses towards trial under the new BNS legal framework.
History of Domestic Friction and Dowry Demands
The police investigation has uncovered a backdrop of domestic strife. The complainant alleged that just months after her wedding in 2024, her father-in-law began harassing her for additional dowry payments. This history of friction over dowry demands adds a critical dimension to the case, highlighting the ongoing social evil of dowry harassment that often compounds other forms of abuse.
The case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by women within households and the courage required to seek legal recourse. The Ludhiana police's prompt action in registering the case under the stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and arresting the accused will be closely watched as the investigation unfolds.
