Woman Escapes Alleged Domestic Torture, Reaches Police Station with Chain Around Neck 

Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh: A woman from Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh, sought refuge at a police station after allegedly enduring severe domestic abuse at the hands of her husband. According to her complaint, she was allegedly chained inside the house, physically assaulted, and subjected to burns with a heated iron rod. Taking advantage of an opportunity when her husband was away, she reportedly broke the lock securing the chain and walked several kilometres to the nearest police station with the chain still around her neck. Police arranged medical examination, documented her injuries, and arrested the accused husband. An investigation is underway.  

Legal Significance 

The allegations disclose serious offences involving domestic violence, wrongful confinement, physical assault, and cruelty within a matrimonial relationship. If the allegations are substantiated, the act of restraining the woman with a chain and preventing her movement may attract Section 127 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Wrongful Confinement). The alleged infliction of burn injuries using a heated iron rod may constitute voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous means under Section 118 BNS, 2023, depending on the medical evidence.  

The case may also involve Section 85 BNS, 2023 (Cruelty by Husband or Relatives of Husband), which addresses physical and mental cruelty within marriage. In addition, the victim is entitled to civil remedies, protection orders, residence rights, and other reliefs under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The incident highlights the legal obligation of the State to protect women from domestic abuse and ensure access to immediate police and medical assistance.  

📰 Source: Manorama Online (English)