Rajasthan: Wife Beaten and Thrown Out for Another Woman, In-Laws Unleash Torment; Brave Vimla Declares—This Is My Home, I Will Stay!

Barmer- In a shocking incident in Rajasthan’s Barmer district, a woman was denied entry to her own marital home in Dhorimanna village. Vimla Meghwal, married to Manglaram Meghwal for 10 years, has accused her in-laws of grave misconduct. Vimla alleges that her husband took a second wife, and when she protested, her in-laws assaulted her, seized her dowry, and even abducted her, abandoning her on the village outskirts. When she returned home, she was forced to spend an entire night outside her in-laws’ house. Only after the intervention of the police and social activist Suman Devthiya was she able to gain entry.

Vimla Meghwal lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Chitalwana Police Station on April 5, 2025, naming her husband Manglaram, father-in-law Deramaram, mother-in-law Lunidevi, brother-in-law Bhagwanaram, and the other woman, Kavita, as accused. According to Vimla, two years into their marriage, Manglaram began an illicit relationship with Kavita and started physically and mentally abusing her. When she objected, Manglaram and his family beat her and deprived her of food for days.

Vimla revealed that about 10 days prior, Manglaram eloped with Kavita and illegally married her. When Vimla tried to prevent Kavita from entering the house, her in-laws forcibly took her dowry, including gold earrings (2 tolas), a gold necklace (4 tolas), a gold tikka and nose ring (1 tola), four gold rings (2 tolas), a silver waistband (500 grams), and silver anklets (300 grams). On the night of April 1, around 9 PM, Manglaram, his parents, and other relatives forcibly put Vimla into a white car and abducted her. Around 10 PM, near the border of Virava village, she was beaten, her clothes were torn, and her dignity was violated. The accused threatened to kill her if she returned.

Left on the road, Vimla was found crying by two passersby, Prabhuram and Krishnaram, who untied the cloth gagging her and informed her brother Gaurav, who took her home. Following advice from community members, she filed a complaint at Chitalwana Police Station.

When Vimla returned to her marital home in Dhorimanna but was barred from entering. On Tuesday night, she sat outside with her 8-year-old son, Prince, as her in-laws locked the door and refused her entry. Vimla reported that her in-laws abused and assaulted her during this time.

Based on Vimla’s complaint, Chitalwana Police registered a case under Sections 85, 316(2), 115(2), and 189(2) of the Indian Penal Code. Vimla has demanded the recovery of her dowry and household items, along with stringent punishment for the accused.

Following Vimla’s complaint, Chitalwana Police initiated action, but she initially received inadequate support. The investigating officer allegedly pressured her to state in writing that she did not want her belongings back. However, after intervention from senior officials in Sanchore, Chitalwana and Dhorimanna police jointly attempted to escort Vimla back to her marital home. Despite their presence, her in-laws refused to let her in.

Social activist Suman Devthiya, associated with Aagaz Foundation Trust, took up Vimla’s cause. Suman contacted district authorities and senior police officials, leading to action by Dhorimanna’s Sub-Divisional Officer and police station officer. After prolonged persuasion and pressure, Vimla was finally allowed into her home.

Suman Devthiya told The Mooknayak that Vimla’s situation remains precarious. She expressed fears that the in-laws might harm Vimla and her son in the future. Suman demanded robust security measures for Vimla and her child, stating, “Such incidents highlight the severity of violence against women in society. The police must become more sensitive to ensure fear among perpetrators and trust among the public.” On Thursday morning, the women was again beaten up by her in-laws.

Vimla alleged that her father-in-law, Deramaram, a Congress party Zila Parishad member, is using his political influence to suppress the case. This accusation has complicated matters, as political clout often delays justice for victims at the local level.