Magadi
A tense and emotionally charged incident unfolded in Magadi when a woman, accompanied by her parents and relatives, staged a sit-in protest in Hosapete town. The protest was held in front of an educational institution run by her father-in-law, with the woman demanding, “Give me a chance to live with my husband.”
The woman, identified as Preeti, is the daughter of Naganna and Jayalakshmi, residents of Madigondanahalli village in the taluk. She alleged that she has been subjected to continuous harassment by her husband’s family following her marriage and that she has been denied the right to live with her spouse.
Preeti has accused her father-in-law, Gangaraju, who owns and manages the Maruti Educational Institute, of being a key figure in the alleged harassment. According to her complaint, she married Rupesh about a year ago, but within a month of the marriage, her in-laws allegedly began pressuring her over dowry.
She further alleged that her husband’s family demanded money, property, and jewellery, and that she was repeatedly harassed when these demands were not met. Preeti claimed that her in-laws and mother-in-law have been preventing her husband Rupesh from living with her, effectively separating the couple.
Speaking during the dharna, Preeti stated that she had also been physically assaulted and mentally tortured in the course of the alleged dowry harassment. Holding placards and raising slogans, she appealed for justice and urged authorities to intervene so that she could resume her married life peacefully.
The protest drew attention from local residents and passersby, leading to heightened tension in the area for some time. Police personnel reached the spot to monitor the situation and ensure law and order, while efforts were reportedly made to counsel both parties.
The incident has once again brought the issue of dowry harassment into focus, highlighting the challenges faced by women even after legal provisions exist to curb such practices. Authorities are expected to look into the allegations and take appropriate action following further inquiry.