The son of former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut has been booked by police following a complaint from his daughter-in-law, who accused him of practicing black magic and forcing her to consume cow urine. The incident has sparked outrage and drawn attention to alleged domestic abuse and superstition.
Details of the Complaint
According to the police, the complaint was filed on July 12, 2026, at a police station in Maharashtra. The daughter-in-law, whose identity has been withheld, alleged that her husband, identified as Raut's son, subjected her to psychological and physical torture. She claimed he performed black magic rituals to control her will and coerced her into drinking cow urine, a practice often associated with certain religious or traditional beliefs but not mandated in any mainstream faith.
The complaint further stated that the harassment began shortly after her marriage and escalated over time. She said she was isolated from her family and friends, and her husband threatened her with dire consequences if she disclosed the abuse to anyone.
Police Action and Legal Provisions
Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to cruelty by husband or relatives, criminal intimidation, and offenses related to superstition and black magic. Maharashtra has specific laws against black magic and inhuman practices, such as the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, which may also be invoked.
Senior police officials confirmed that an investigation has been initiated and that the accused will be summoned for questioning. They assured that all legal procedures would be followed to ensure justice for the complainant.
Reactions and Wider Implications
The case has drawn sharp reactions from women's rights activists and political circles. Activists have condemned the alleged use of superstition to perpetrate domestic abuse, calling for stricter enforcement of laws against black magic. Vinayak Raut, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has not yet commented publicly on the matter. The party has maintained silence, though some members have expressed concern over the allegations.
This incident highlights the persistent issue of domestic violence and the misuse of traditional practices to exert control. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), nearly 30% of women in India have experienced spousal violence. Cases involving forced consumption of substances like cow urine are less common but underscore the need for awareness and legal deterrence.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as the case progresses.
