Pune Woman Forced Into Aghori Rituals Over Dowry Harassment

A woman from Pune has filed a complaint with the Chandan Nagar police, alleging that her husband and his relatives harassed her over dowry and forced her to undergo superstitious rituals at a fake baba's place.

The woman's family was asked to pay ₹15 lakh in dowry after her marriage was fixed, and her father allegedly paid ₹2.20 lakh online to the suspects after the marriage was arranged. However, the harassment allegedly continued after the wedding over the remaining amount.

The woman has also alleged that her husband and his relatives took her to a godman and forced her to perform 'aghori krutya' (black magic-related rituals) to cure her husband's supposed Mangal Dosh, an astrological belief linked to the position of Mars. When she refused to take part in the rituals, she was allegedly verbally abused and physically assaulted.

A case has now been registered at Chandan Nagar police station under provisions related to dowry harassment and the Maharashtra law that prohibits human sacrifice and other inhuman, evil and aghori practices and black magic.

The complaint states that the suspects later claimed that her husband's Mangal Dosh had been cured, but refused to let her live with her husband or provide her support. The allegations include physical and mental harassment as well as forcing her to undergo prohibited superstitious practices.

The case has been registered under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act. Police Inspector (Crime) Amol Jagtap is investigating the case.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of dowry harassment and superstitious practices in Indian society. Despite laws and awareness campaigns, many women continue to face harassment and exploitation over dowry demands.

The Maharashtra government has implemented laws to prevent human sacrifice and other inhuman practices, but more needs to be done to eradicate these practices from society. The case is a reminder of the need for continued efforts to educate people about the dangers of superstitious practices and the importance of respecting women's rights.

The police investigation is ongoing, and the suspects are expected to face charges under the relevant laws. The case is a significant step towards holding perpetrators of dowry harassment and superstitious practices accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, the incident is a disturbing reminder of the ongoing issues of dowry harassment and superstitious practices in Indian society. It highlights the need for continued efforts to educate people and implement laws to prevent these practices and protect women's rights.