Kanpur- In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident that has left many stunned, a newly married woman in Kanpur has alleged that her in-laws subjected her to humiliating and inhuman treatment in the name of tantra-mantra rituals. The woman has filed a police complaint accusing her husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and other family members of forcing her to participate in nude worship sessions, where she was stripped, smeared with ash, and made to sit for puja in front of the entire family.

According to the complaint filed at the Kanpur women's police station, the victim's marriage to Kartik (changed name) took place on March 6, 2024. Her father, a resident of the Sachendi area, spent around 5 crore rupees on the wedding, including dowry and other expenses. Kartik belongs to a well-known affluent family of gold and silver traders in Pandu Nagar, with his father and grandfather running a prominent shop in the Chowk area of Kanpur.

The victim stated that soon after moving to her in-laws' house, her mother-in-law, who claims to follow tantric traditions from Kolkata, initiated midnight tantra-mantra worship sessions after 12 am. The mother-in-law allegedly told her that the family's entire wealth had been acquired through these rituals and that all family members participate by removing their clothes and sitting nude for the puja. When the young woman resisted and refused to take part, her husband and father-in-law allegedly forcibly removed her clothes, stripped her naked, and locked her in a room with the father-in-law.

Inside the closed room, the father-in-law is accused of smearing ash on her naked body, crossing all limits of decency. She was then forced to join the entire family in the nude state for the worship. The victim further alleged that her husband actively supported his family in this act instead of protecting her. Whenever she protested, she was beaten and mentally tortured. Such incidents reportedly occurred repeatedly, with the family conducting these rituals every month.

The woman endured the ordeal silently for some time but eventually confided in her mother. Her brother brought her back to her parental home. However, the in-laws allegedly continued to harass her family, demanding an additional 2 crore rupees and one kilogram of gold. When her father approached the police, attempts were reportedly made to broker a compromise due to the influential connections of the accused family, who are said to be related to a prominent local leader. After several months of failed mediation, the police finally registered an FIR under relevant sections, including those for dowry harassment, mental and physical cruelty. ACP Ashutosh Singh told the media that a report has been filed against the perpetrators based on the girl's complaint and an investigation is underway.

The case has highlighted serious issues of superstition, blind faith, and women's exploitation within some affluent families. Police have begun investigating the matter and are questioning the accused. The victim's family has expressed disappointment over the initial delay in registering the case due to the accused family's influence.

This incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about how deep-rooted superstitions continue to victimize women even in educated and wealthy households. Further developments are awaited as the investigation proceeds.