In an appaling incident in Srikakulam's Burja mandal, a pregnant woman has been denied shelter and food for as many as seven months by her in-laws and her husband.
The victim, Ganta Dhanalakshmi from Jeebipuram of Burja mandal, and Botsa Rambabu, from Allena village, got married in April 2017 against the wishes of their parents, as both were from different castes.
After almost one year, Rambabu and Dhanalakshmi returned to the former’s village, only to face domestic violence at the hands of her in-laws and husband.
Dhanalakshmi, with the support of several villagers and women organisations in Allena, staged a protest in front of Burja police station on Wednesday, demanding justice and action against her husband’s family.
Dhanalakshmi had claimed that her husband’s family would not allow her to stay in the house with them.
Speaking to TNM, G Eashwaramma, Srikakulam district convener of AP Mahila Vyavasaya Karmika Sangam, said, “Dhanalakshmi had approached us earlier this week, saying that she is being treated inhumanely by her husband and his family, despite knowing that she is seven-month pregnant.”
She added, “After their wedding, the couple left their respective villages. Four months ago, they came back to Allena, when Rambabu's parents and family started harassing her. They have not been providing her with food and have been making her sleep outside the house."
Dhanalakshmi could not return to her village as her family had left their village after she got married to Rambabu. She is currently staying at one of the women activists’ home.
Speaking to TNM, Burja SI of Police Janardhana Rao said, As per her complaint, we have filed a case against Ramababu under sections of IPC 420, 417 and 34 and arrested him.”
He also said, “She claimed the family has been forcing her to stay outside the house and also alleged that, besides physical and mental harassment, they have been demanding dowry".
Women activists also say that Rambabu's parents are not letting Dhanalakshmi stay in the house as it will be difficult to find a bride for their elder son.
While the police claim that they are investigating the case further, women organisations are alleging that the police failed to register the case as per the complaint and are hesitating to arrest the family members, who harassed for Dhanalakshmi for seven months and even threatened to kill her.