FIR names Pankaj Yashavantkumar Dhavalagi and 7 others as accused, exposes assault, death threats, and dowry harassment under the BNS and Dowry Prohibition Act
Vijayapura: A 28-year-old woman has lodged a dowry harassment complaint against her husband and seven of his relatives in Karnataka's Vijayapura district, alleging physical assault, mental cruelty, criminal intimidation, and persistent demands for additional dowry despite substantial wedding expenses borne by her family.
The case, registered at the Women Police Station in Vijayapura, has been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Police have initiated an investigation into the allegations and stated that further action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the inquiry.
The complaint highlights allegations of continued harassment linked to an alleged demand for 15 tolas of gold, raising fresh concerns over dowry-related crimes and domestic violence in Karnataka.
Dowry Harassment FIR Registered in Vijayapura
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the complainant, Chaitra Pankaj Dhavalagi, alleged that she was subjected to repeated harassment and intimidation by her husband and members of his family.
The FIR was registered following a complaint lodged at the Women Police Station, Vijayapura. Authorities have recorded the allegations and commenced a formal investigation into the matter.
Police records indicate that the case pertains to incidents allegedly occurring at Sena Nagar (Sanik Nagar 4th Stage) within the jurisdiction of Vijayapura Sub-Division.
"The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act, and the allegations are under investigation."
Officials have emphasized that the claims mentioned in the complaint will be examined through evidence, witness statements, and legal procedures.
Eight Individuals Named in the Complaint
The complainant has named eight individuals as accused in the case.
According to the FIR, those named include:
- Pankaj Yashavantkumar Dhavalagi (A1), husband and a Veterinary Officer posted in Kalaburagi
- Sujata Yashavantkumar Dhavalagi (A2)
- Poornima Yashavantkumar Dhavalagi (A3)
- Pallavi Madhusudan Nidagatti (A4)
- Madhusudan Nidagatti (A5)
- Anilkumar Dhavalagi (A6)
- Chandrika Dhavalagi (A7)
- Chidanand Padasalagi (A8)
The complaint alleges that the accused collectively subjected the woman to physical, emotional, and financial harassment connected to dowry demands.
Police have not yet publicly commented on the individual roles allegedly played by each accused.
Allegations of Assault and Criminal Intimidation
According to the complaint, a confrontation allegedly took place on March 29, 2026, at approximately 12:20 pm at the complainant's residence in Sena Nagar.
The woman alleged that several accused arrived at the residence and physically assaulted her. In her statement, she claimed that her husband allegedly kicked her, while other family members physically attacked her and caused injuries.
The complaint further alleges that she was verbally abused and threatened with serious consequences if the demand for additional dowry was not fulfilled.
"Bring 15 tolas of gold from your family or face consequences," the accused allegedly told the complainant, according to the FIR.
Police have stated that these allegations form part of the ongoing investigation and remain subject to verification.
Family Spent ₹20 Lakh on Marriage, Complaint Alleges
In the complaint, the woman stated that her family had already incurred marriage expenses of approximately ₹20 lakh at the time of the wedding.
Despite this, she alleged that additional dowry demands continued after marriage and that repeated efforts by elders and family members to resolve the dispute failed to stop the alleged harassment.
The complainant claimed that the pressure and intimidation increased over time, causing significant emotional and mental distress.
Authorities are expected to examine financial records and statements from both families as part of the investigation.
Woman Alleges She Was Forced Out of Marital Home
The FIR further states that the complainant was allegedly forced to leave her matrimonial home after the dispute escalated.
According to her statement, she was warned not to return unless the alleged demand for gold was fulfilled. She subsequently moved to her parental home in Vijayapura along with her four-month-old child.
The woman has also alleged that the harassment and intimidation continued even after she left the matrimonial residence.
Investigators are expected to record statements from relatives, neighbours, and other individuals who may possess information relevant to the allegations.
Police Register Case Under BNS and Dowry Prohibition Act
Based on the complaint, police have registered Crime No. 0045/2026.
The FIR includes charges under Sections 85, 115(2), 352, 351(2), and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
Officials have stated that the registration of a case does not amount to proof of guilt and that all allegations will be investigated in accordance with legal procedures.
"Further action will be based on evidence collected during the investigation and statements recorded from all parties concerned."
Dowry-Related Violence Remains a Serious Concern
The Vijayapura case has once again drawn attention to the continuing issue of dowry-related harassment and domestic violence in India.
Despite legal safeguards and awareness campaigns, authorities continue to receive complaints involving alleged demands for cash, gold, property, and other valuables after marriage.
Women's rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of existing laws, greater awareness among families, and faster legal remedies for victims of harassment.
Police officials have urged individuals facing domestic violence or dowry-related pressure to seek assistance from law enforcement agencies and women's support services without delay.
Investigation Continues
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are expected to examine medical records, witness statements, and other supporting evidence to establish the facts of the case.
Authorities have stated that appropriate legal action will be taken based on the outcome of the inquiry and the evidence presented during the investigation.
As the case proceeds, further developments are expected from the investigating officers handling the matter.
