In a disturbing case from Pilibhit district, a police constable has lodged a complaint against her husband and in-laws, alleging repeated torture, dowry demands, and life-threatening assaults. The case has brought attention to the continued prevalence of dowry-related harassment, even among law enforcement families, and has sparked discussions about the protection of women within domestic and professional settings.

The complainant, a female constable stationed at Bisalpur police station in Pilibhit, filed the complaint against her husband, Priyank Sharma, also a police constable posted in Sector-20 police station in Gautam Buddh Nagar, along with her father-in-law Rajeshwar Prasad Sharma, mother-in-law Kunti Devi, brothers-in-law Anuj Sharma and Mukesh Sharma, and sisters-in-law Shweta and Santosh. The case was registered under Sections 85, 115, 351, and 352 of the BNS Code, as well as the Dowry Prohibition Act, according to Sanjeev Shukla, Station House Officer of the Bisalpur police station.

The complaint details a series of disturbing incidents that began shortly after her marriage to Priyank Sharma on January 26, 2023. According to the constable, her family had spent approximately ₹50 lakh on the wedding, providing gifts including a car, gold and silver jewelry, expensive clothing, electronics, furniture, and kitchen utensils. Despite this, she alleged that her in-laws were dissatisfied with the dowry, deeming the items “inferior and low quality,” and within two days of the wedding, began demanding a Scorpio vehicle. When she expressed her inability to meet this demand, the harassment escalated. She alleged that her in-laws verbally abused her, physically assaulted her, and issued threats to her life.

The most serious allegations relate to events on September 5, 2024, when the complainant claims she discovered her husband in an inappropriate situation with her sister-in-law, Shweta. When she confronted them, she alleges that her in-laws assaulted her physically and forced her to drink sanitiser in what she described as an attempted fatal act. The attack was so severe that she required hospitalization and suffered serious health complications.

In addition to these incidents, the constable alleged prolonged pressure and abuse during her pregnancy. On July 13, 2023, she claimed that her husband and father-in-law pressured her to take medication allegedly intended to conceive a boy, which she refused. Following her refusal, she alleges that the couple came to Pilibhit and physically attacked her with intent to kill. On January 30, 2024, she delivered a son in Meerut. She claimed that due to the assaults she endured during pregnancy, her child sustained injuries in the womb and now experiences seizures.

Further allegations against her in-laws include sexual harassment. The complainant stated that her brother-in-law, Mukesh Sharma, had harassed her over time and attempted to rape her on multiple occasions. On October 5, 2025, she alleged that Mukesh raped her at gunpoint in Meerut. Following this, a separate case was registered against him at Kharkhauda police station under Sections 64, 74, 351, and 352 of the BNS Code.

The complaint paints a harrowing picture of sustained domestic violence, coercion, and intimidation, with the alleged perpetrators reportedly leveraging their positions within the police force to intimidate the victim. The case also highlights broader issues of dowry harassment and gender-based violence, particularly within families where the perpetrators are themselves part of law enforcement, raising concerns about accountability and the protection of women.

The Station House Officer of Bisalpur police station, Sanjeev Shukla, confirmed that the FIR has been officially registered and that investigations are underway. Police are expected to examine evidence provided by the complainant, including medical records, witness testimonies, and any corroborating documentation of threats and assaults. The authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests have been made, but the registration of the FIR marks the first formal step in addressing the allegations.

Dowry harassment continues to be a serious issue in India despite strict legislation like the Dowry Prohibition Act. Cases such as this, which involve severe physical assaults, threats to life, and alleged sexual violence, underscore the challenges faced by victims in pursuing justice, particularly when the accused are members of law enforcement or wield significant influence. The involvement of police personnel on both sides of the dispute adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, necessitating strict adherence to legal procedures to ensure impartiality and protect the complainant from further intimidation.

Legal experts note that women in similar situations often face difficulties reporting abuse, particularly when their spouses or in-laws hold positions of authority. In such cases, independent monitoring by higher authorities or intervention by specialized women’s protection units can be crucial in ensuring that justice is served. The Pilibhit case, given its high-profile nature involving police personnel, may attract scrutiny from senior law enforcement officials and human rights organizations to ensure the investigation proceeds transparently and efficiently.

The case also draws attention to the social and cultural pressures associated with dowry, which continue to place women at risk of abuse and exploitation, even in modern and urban settings. The alleged harassment of the constable spans financial coercion, physical violence, sexual abuse, and threats to life, reflecting the multifaceted nature of dowry-related cruelty. Advocacy groups have increasingly called for better enforcement of existing laws, support systems for victims, and awareness campaigns aimed at curbing such practices.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to carefully evaluate the claims of attempted murder, dowry harassment, sexual assault, and threats, and determine appropriate charges under the Indian Penal Code, the BNS provisions cited, and the Dowry Prohibition Act. The complainant’s medical history, including hospitalization records, will likely play a crucial role in corroborating the claims of physical assault and attempts to endanger her life.

In conclusion, the FIR lodged by the Pilibhit police constable against her husband and in-laws highlights a tragic and alarming case of domestic violence and dowry-related harassment. Beyond the personal suffering of the complainant, the case underscores systemic challenges in protecting women from abuse, particularly when alleged perpetrators occupy positions of authority. As investigations continue, attention will likely focus on ensuring justice for the victim, safeguarding her well-being, and holding the accused accountable under the full weight of the law. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, awareness, and strict enforcement of anti-dowry and domestic violence laws in India.