Mumbai: Borivali Woman Files Complaint Against Husband and In-Laws for Dowry Harassment

Mumbai, 8th April 2024: A 28-year-old woman residing in Borivali (West) of Mumbai took legal action against her husband and four of her in-laws on Sunday, alleging physical and mental harassment. This comes after her family failed to meet their demand for an SUV as a dowry.

Amrapali Gholap lodged a complaint with the MHB Police Station against her husband, Mayur Rajaram Gholap, a resident of Bhosari, Pune; her mother-in-law, Manda; Mayur’s elder brother, Mangesh; Mayur’s younger brother, Manoj; and Manoj’s wife, Sanika.

The police have registered a case against the five accused under sections 323, 406, 498A, 500, 504, 506, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, no arrests have been made yet, as the police are currently investigating the veracity of the allegations.

According to Amrapali’s complaint, Mayur’s family initially approached her parents at the Satara Mandhardevi temple in June 2022 with a proposal for marriage between Mayur and Amrapali. Despite objections from Amrapali’s father, Mayur’s mother and brother assured them of Mayur’s employment prospects and financial stability, claiming he owned lucrative businesses. However, they concealed details about Mayur’s previous marriage.

Subsequently, pressure mounted on Amrapali’s family for an early wedding, with Mayur’s family insisting on a substantial dowry. Despite assurances from Mayur’s mother that they did not seek dowry, demands for expensive gifts, including a Thar vehicle, were made later. Allegations of mental harassment surfaced, including threats of suicide if the marriage didn’t proceed as desired.

After their marriage in December 2022, Amrapali claimed that Mayur neglected her and indulged in trips without her, while his family continued to demand gifts and vehicles. Additionally, Amrapali discovered disturbing details about Mayur’s past, including his involvement in criminal activities, which further exacerbated the situation.

Feeling cornered and harassed, Amrapali finally approached the authorities and filed a formal complaint against her husband and in-laws.