A woman from Maharashtra’s Kalyan has accused her husband and his family of subjecting her to severe physical and mental harassment over alleged dowry demands. Police have registered a case against five members of her husband’s family and launched an investigation into the allegations.
The woman, identified as Afsana, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ulhasnagar. She has alleged that she was assaulted during pregnancy, denied food, burned with hot water and even had her head forcibly shaved by her in-laws.
Harassment Began Soon After Marriage, Says Complaint
According to the police complaint, Afsana, a resident of Ulhasnagar, married Sameer Ansari, who lives in the Waldhuni area of Kalyan, in November 2025.
Her family reportedly informed the groom’s family before the marriage that they were facing financial difficulties and would not be able to provide dowry. However, Afsana alleged that shortly after the wedding, her husband and in-laws began pressuring her family for money and other valuables.
She claimed that the harassment continued throughout her pregnancy and that she was repeatedly beaten by her husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law and sister-in-law.
Allegations of Starvation, Burns and Confinement
In her complaint, Afsana alleged that she was frequently denied adequate food and was not given money for basic daily needs. She further claimed that hot water was poured on her hands, leaving her with burn injuries.
The most shocking allegation relates to an incident on June 7, when her husband and other family members allegedly shaved her head against her will, claiming that she had lice.
Afsana said that after the incident she was locked inside a room for nearly a week and continued to face harassment from family members.
Escaped and Reached Sister’s Home
The woman alleged that she eventually managed to escape from the house and reached her sister’s residence, where she informed her family about the abuse she had suffered.
Following her escape, she was admitted to Ulhasnagar’s Central Hospital for medical treatment.
Senior Police Inspector Baliram Pardeshi of Mahatma Phule Police Station said police were informed about the woman’s hospitalisation and immediately sent a team to record her statement.
Police Begin Investigation
Based on Afsana’s complaint, police have registered a case against five members of her husband’s family. Officials said an investigation is underway and statements from all parties will be recorded as part of the probe.
Police are also examining the allegations of dowry harassment, physical assault, wrongful confinement and other forms of abuse mentioned in the complaint.
