A 23-year-old newlywed woman, who was admitted to a hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone with burn injuries, has alleged that her husband tortured her with a heated knife over dowry demands and branded her across the body.
The woman, who was married six months ago to a man from Barwani district, was hospitalised after her brother brought her back home.
According to her statement to the police, her husband came home intoxicated and demanded dowry before kicking her in the stomach and dragging her to the kitchen. He allegedly heated a knife on the stove and branded her in more than 50 places.
Speaking to reporters, the woman alleged, “My husband tied my hands and legs. He heated the knife and branded me. He also put what appeared to be a gun to my head.”
Asked about his motive, she alleged, “He did this because he did not like me. He kept saying I don’t like you; why did you come? He claimed his parents forced him to marry.”
According to the woman, when she reported the incident to her in-laws the next morning, they initially promised to counsel their son but later accused her of inflicting the injuries on herself.
The woman’s brother arrived at the marital home to take her away, leading to a confrontation with the in-laws. The family was able to bring her back to Khargone, where she received medical treatment.
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Khargone Superintendent of Police Dharmraj Meena confirmed that a case has been registered based on the woman’s statement. Since the alleged incident occurred in Barwani district, the case is being transferred to the local authorities there for investigation.
“We are recording her detailed statement,” said ASI Rekha Bhalray. “Further action will be taken based on the facts that emerge during the investigation.”
