Navi Mumbai Family Demands Justice: Woman Gang-Raped and Murdered in Shilphata, Calls for Police Accountability

Navi Mumbai, 15th July 2024: The parents of a 30-year-old woman from Belapur, who was gang-raped and murdered at Ghol Ganapati temple in Shilphata, have demanded accountability from the officer at the NRI police station for neglecting to assist in locating their daughter when she went missing. They also seek action against the deceased lady’s husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law.

“Married for six years, she endured continuous abuse. After returning home within two years of marriage and initiating divorce proceedings, she eventually returned to her husband’s home, hoping for improvement after their child was born three years later,” stated the younger sister of the deceased.

The woman, a banking and insurance graduate who worked in a bank, was forced to quit by her suspicious husband, employed with Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, who also had a gambling addiction and extorted money from her. The situation worsened when their father retired on May 31 from a government school’s accounts department, leading to harassment of his pension funds.

“On July 6, following an argument over money, she left home, leaving her son for the first time, and expressed distress to a friend about her inability to ask her parents for more money. She even hinted at harming herself but refrained for her son’s sake,” her sister added.

The family accused the police of initially refusing to file a missing person report, delaying action that might have saved her. They highlighted her mental state and requested assistance in locating her via CCTV footage, actions they believe could have prevented her tragic fate at the temple where she spent nearly 12 hours.

Political figures, including Alka Lamba of All India Mahila Congress and Saluja Sutar from the NCP, have pledged support, urging swift justice and accountability for what they describe not only as gang rape but also dowry harassment and domestic violence. They have demanded a fast-tracked investigation and action against the negligent police officer and the deceased woman’s in-laws.