Dowry Horror in Vijayapura: Woman Brutally Assaulted by Husband, In-Laws for 15 Tolas Gold, FIR Filed Under BNS and Dowry Act

NewsFlash Daily™

31 March

FIR names Pankaj Yashavantkumar Dhavalagi and 7 others as accused, exposes assault, death threats, and dowry harassment under BNS and Dowry Prohibition Act

Vijayapura: In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing menace of dowry harassment in Karnataka, a 28-year-old woman has accused her husband and multiple in-laws of physical assault, mental torture, and life threats over a demand for 15 tolas of gold.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Women Police Station, Vijayapura, on Monday (29 March), at Sena Nagar (Sanik Nagar 4th Stage), within the jurisdiction of Vijayapura Sub Division. The case has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, signalling serious criminal charges.

All Accused Named in FIR

The complainant, Chaitra Pankaj Dhavalagi, has named the following eight individuals in her complaint:

1. Pankaj Yashavantkumar Dhavalagi (A1) – Husband (Veterinary Officer, Kalaburagi)
2. Sujata Yashavantkumar Dhavalagi (A2)
3. Poornima Yashavantkumar Dhavalagi (A3)
4. Pallavi Madhusudan Nidagatti (A4)
5. Madhusudan Nidagatti (A5)
6. Anilkumar Dhavalagi (A6)
7. Chandrika Dhavalagi (A7)
8. Chidanand Padasalagi (A8)

All accused are alleged to have been involved in continuous harassment, physical violence, and criminal intimidation related to dowry demands.

“Bring 15 tolas of gold from your family or face consequences,” the accused allegedly warned, as per the complaint.

Assault, Threats, and Dowry Demand Detailed

The FIR states that on March 29 at around 12:20 PM, several accused persons arrived at the complainant’s residence in Sena Nagar and physically attacked her.

The complainant has alleged that her husband kicked her on the back, while her mother-in-law assaulted her on the stomach, and another accused injured her hands and forehead with nails. The group allegedly abused, threatened, and warned of dire consequences, including death threats, if the dowry demand was not fulfilled.

Marriage Expenses of ₹20 Lakh, Yet Persistent Harassment

The complainant revealed that her family had already spent approximately ₹20 lakh on the wedding, yet the accused continued to demand additional dowry. Despite intervention by family elders, the harassment allegedly intensified.

She further stated that she was forced out of her marital home and warned not to return without fulfilling the demand for gold. Even after returning to her parental home in Vijayapura with her four-month-old child, the harassment allegedly continued.

Police Register Case, Investigation Underway

The complaint was officially registered on March 30 after the victim received medical treatment and consulted her family. The case, numbered Crime No. 0045/2026, includes charges under Sections 85, 115(2), 352, 351(2), and 190 of BNS along with Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

As the investigation is underway, legal action will be taken based on evidence and witness statements.

Rising Concern Over Dowry Crimes in Karnataka

This case once again highlights the persistent issue of dowry-related violence, raising concerns over enforcement and awareness. Authorities have urged victims to report such incidents without delay to ensure justice.