A 25-year-old woman was allegedly kidnapped from her residence in the Amroli area of Surat on Thursday afternoon by her own parents, who were reportedly unhappy with her marrying a man of her choice.
Background of the Marriage
According to the complaint filed by the victim's mother-in-law, Laxmi Kalathiya, her younger son Hiren married Ritika Bharodiya in December of the previous year. The couple subsequently obtained a marriage certificate from the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). After the wedding, they began living at Heaven Enclave Residency in Amroli, where Hiren runs an on-order furniture manufacturing business.
Following the marriage, Ritika's family severed all ties with her and had no contact with either Ritika or Hiren's family, as per police statements.
The Incident
On Thursday, after Hiren left for work, Ritika was at home with her mother-in-law, Laxmi. At around 3:45 PM, Ritika's parents, Haresh and Jagruti Bharodiya, arrived at the apartment accompanied by three other individuals. They allegedly forced Ritika out of the house and dragged her towards the lift. Neighbors who attempted to intervene were overpowered by the group.
Laxmi immediately informed Hiren, who rushed back home and began searching for his wife. He also tried contacting his in-laws but was unable to locate Ritika.
Police Action
The family later approached the Amroli police and lodged a complaint. Police have booked all five accused and initiated an investigation. Officials suspect that the accused may have fled to their native place in Saurashtra, and a team is likely to be dispatched there as part of the search.
Amroli police registered a case against Ritika's parents and three others who allegedly assisted them in the kidnapping.
