A horrific case of domestic violence in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district has sent waves of alarm after a wife came forward and claimed her estranged husband beat her physically and emotionally in front of her children. The incident that took place in Pandopara village showed us once again that domestic violence is still a huge problem faced by so many women in rural India.
According to the woman’s complaint, she was tied up, beaten, tonsured, publicly humiliated and forced to drink urine by her husband, Jitendra Ghasia. Police have since arrested the accused and added more charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The victim, Tara, was married to Jitendra for nearly 15 years. The couple had four children. Years of marital disputes, repeated accusations of her character and financial difficulties had ruined their relationship, she said. She started living separately about a year ago and became a domestic helper after that to bring in money for herself and her children.
She said that on June 14, her husband tracked her down to the home she had been staying. She said he called her outside and began accusing her of having relationships with other men. What followed was a brutal assault, the complaint said.
Tara told police that her husband tied her hands and feet with rope before attacking her. She claimed he shaved her head, smeared her face with soot and engine oil and repeatedly assaulted her. She also claimed he threatened to burn her alive.
And one of the most disturbing allegations involves the children in the couple. The children were forced to witness the entire thing, the victim said. Her husband had ordered them to slap their mother and involved them in the humiliation and she had to drink urine during the process.
A video of parts of the incident in the aftermath also appeared online in the case and brought attention to the case. The video, police say, was a major factor in gaining new details and led to the charges against the accused being strengthened.
In the first place the authorities filed a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 85 (cruelty by husband), section 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), section 296 (obscene acts and abuse) and section 351(2) (criminal intimidation).
Koriya Additional Superintendent of Police Suresha Chaubey said that when the victim first approached authorities, the complaint mainly focused on physical assault and harassment. But as soon as the video was aired and investigators reviewed the allegations in greater detail, more serious legal provisions were made.
Police on Thursday arrested Jitendra Ghasia and said he will be produced before a court.
The case has prompted a widespread discussion on domestic violence and women’s safety, and the emotional toll that such incidents can have on children who witness abuse in their own homes. Rights activists say the incident is a reminder that many victims are still suffering in silence and that better support systems are needed to ensure justice and protection for vulnerable women.
The legal process will be followed by accountability and new attention on domestic violence in our country, and so there will be a lot more awareness for the society and for domestic violence against women in particular as the country moves forward.
