Police in Gujarat's Junagadh district have initiated legal action against a husband and his family members following the tragic suicide of a 32-year-old woman at her matrimonial home. The incident, which occurred in late December, has brought allegations of persistent mental harassment and domestic abuse to the fore.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Chetna, also known as Sonal Jadav (32), ended her life by hanging at her residence in Nozanvav village, located in the Keshod taluka of Junagadh district. The fateful event took place on December 29. Following her death, a formal complaint was lodged by her grieving mother, Laxmi Chauhan (56), which prompted the Keshod police to register a case of abetment to suicide.
The police have booked five individuals based on the complaint. The accused include Sonal's husband, Naresh, her father-in-law Kesu, brother-in-law Devayat, sister-in-law Bhavu, and a relative named Suresh.
Allegations of Sustained Harassment
The complaint filed by the victim's mother paints a distressing picture of Sonal's married life. It alleges that the young woman was subjected to continuous harassment and cruel taunts by her husband and in-laws over what are described as trivial matters. A significant point of contention, as per the complaint, was Sonal's choice to wear new clothes or purchase basic household items. She was reportedly mocked and criticized for allegedly bringing nothing of value from her parental home.
The alleged abuse was not confined to verbal taunts. The complaint states that about a year ago, Sonal suffered a fracture in her hand after being allegedly hit by her husband. This incident highlights the physical dimension of the abuse she reportedly endured.
Final Plea and Police Action
The situation reportedly reached a breaking point approximately a month before Sonal took her own life. In a desperate call to her brother, Jayesh, she expressed that she could no longer tolerate the mistreatment. Following this call, she sought refuge at her parental home for eight days.
During her stay, Sonal allegedly confided in her family about further distressing behavior by her husband. She claimed that her husband would hand over his earnings to his sister-in-law and spend most of his time at her house, which added to her mental anguish and sense of isolation within her marriage.
Despite this brief respite, Sonal returned to her matrimonial home, where the tragic event unfolded. The Keshod police are now investigating the case thoroughly, treating it as a serious instance of abetment to suicide driven by alleged dowry harassment and mental cruelty. The case underscores the grim realities of domestic abuse and the urgent need for intervention in such situations.
