Pregnant woman made to run around for dowry FIR

Mumbai: It took 19 days for the Mahim police officials to file an FIR of dowry harassment of a nine-month pregnant woman, who had been abandoned and physically abused by her husband and in-laws. Her days of trauma would have still continued if an NGO had not come to her rescue.

The victim, a resident of Chembur, was married to businessman Kunal Bhagtani in December last year.

Abortion
When Kunal learnt of her pregnancy he wanted her to abort the child, so that she could work to pay for his loans and give money to buy a flat. When she refused, Kunal along with his family allegedly began abusing and torturing her for dowry.

After making several rounds of the police station from July 30, the police finally registered the case on August 19, after the NGO Stree Chetna intervened in the matter.

Recollecting her trauma, she said, "My in-laws wanted me to abort the child so that I could work and give money to my husband. I was depressed after my in-laws abandoned me. Even though they coerced me to abort my child, I refused to do so, as doctors had warned me of complications."

Mental torture
The victim, in the FIR, said that her husband Kunal abused and mentally tortured her to bring money from her parents.

She also added that her in-laws wanted her to bring money to buy a flat, as they did not want the couple to stay with them.

The family reportedly did not want to bear the expenses of her delivery and hence threw her out of the house on July 30.

NGO helps out
Social worker with the NGO, Gulab Kanulkar, said, "The poor girl went to the Mahim police station every day. When she approached us, we intervened and forced the police to register the case."

Thanking the NGO, she said, "I am grateful to the organisation without whom I would not be able to penalise my husband and his parents."

Arrested
The police arrested Kunal and his family who were produced in court and granted bail on Monday.

They have registered a case against the family under Section 498A (cruelty), 406 (criminal breach of trust) and Section 34 (common intention).

The Other Side
Ramrao Desai, senior inspector of Mahim police station said that it was a minor case and he did not have too many details about the case, but confirmed that a case has been registered against Kunal Bhagtani and his parents.