Uttar Pradesh: Muslim Woman Alleges Brutal Domestic Abuse, Sexual Harassment by In-Laws; Seeks Justice in Court

In a deeply disturbing case of domestic violence and harassment, a woman from Bareilly has accused her husband and in-laws of prolonged physical and mental abuse, forced abortion, and attempted sexual assault. The mother of two has now turned to the courts, alleging that repeated appeals to the police have gone unheard.

Allegations of Abuse, Dowry Harassment, and Assault

The woman, a resident of the Visharatganj police station area, was married in 2019 to a man from Kasganj district. According to her statement, her family gave dowry beyond their financial means, including cash, a motorcycle, and jewellery. However, shortly after marriage, she says she discovered her husband was addicted to alcohol and involved in criminal activities.

She claims the physical and mental harassment began soon after, and her in-laws allegedly demanded more dowry even after the birth of her first child—a daughter. The woman said her parents were forced to take a loan to meet hospital expenses, as demanded by the in-laws.

Forced Abortion and Continued Harassment

According to the woman, when she became pregnant for the second time, her husband and mother-in-law pressured her to abort the child. She fled to her parental home and gave birth to a son. She was later brought back to her in-laws' house, where she says the abuse escalated.

She alleges she was isolated, told to cook separately, and made to bear her own expenses, despite having two children to care for.

Serious Allegations Against Brother-in-Law

One of the most alarming claims made by the victim involves her brother-in-law, whom she accuses of sexual misconduct. She says he attempted to touch her inappropriately, and when she resisted, her in-laws allegedly became violent toward her.

On May 1, 2022, she was allegedly thrown out of the house along with her children. Despite the trauma, she tried to live independently while continuing to seek police help.

In a particularly frightening incident on the night of February 26, 2025, she claims her brother-in-law broke into her residence with a firearm, threatened her, and attempted to molest her. She says her screams alerted neighbors, who came to her rescue, causing the accused to flee the scene.

No Police Action, Court Becomes Last Hope

Despite multiple complaints lodged at Visharatganj police station and even appeals to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Bareilly, the woman alleges that no FIR was registered and no action was taken. Left with no choice, she has now moved to the court to seek legal redress.

She stated, “I have knocked on every door for help, but only the court has given me hope. I just want justice—for me and my children.”

Officials Yet to Respond

As of now, there has been no official statement from the Bareilly police regarding the allegations. Women’s rights activists have called for a thorough investigation into the matter and emphasized the need for better responsiveness to domestic violence cases, especially those involving serious allegations of sexual harassment and armed threats.