In a disturbing case of dowry-related violence, a young Muslim woman from Ranipet district has accused her husband and in-laws of prolonged harassment and an attempted murder, which has sparked outrage in Vellore.
The incident involves 21-year-old Nargis, daughter of Abdul Kalam, a daily-wage laborer from Melnelli village. Her marriage to Khaja Rafik, son of Sub-Inspector Baba from Sathuperi Mullai Nagar, Vellore, was arranged by their families and took place on 8 June 2023.
At the time of marriage, it is alleged that the Nargis’s family reportedly provided 30 sovereigns of gold, ₹10 lakh to cover wedding expenses, and an additional ₹1.5 lakh for purchasing a two-wheeler. Despite this, her in-laws allegedly continued to pressure her for more dowry. According to Nargis, the abuse began soon after the wedding and included both verbal and physical harassment by her husband, father-in-law Baba (a serving police sub-inspector), and mother-in-law Shakeela.
Alleged Murder Attempt
On 3 June 2025, Nargis was reportedly taken to the terrace of the house by her husband, who then pushed her off under the instigation of his father. She suffered a severe spinal injury and a fractured leg in the fall and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Despite her family’s complaint to the local police, no immediate action was taken against the accused. In a desperate move to seek justice, Nargis appeared at the Vellore District Collectorate on a stretcher, brought by ambulance, and filed a petition demanding legal action. Her presence at the collectorate created a stir, drawing public attention and media coverage. Revenue Commissioner Senthil took notice of the incident and inquired about her situation.
Speaking to reporters, Nargis emotionally recounted her ordeal, saying, “My name is Nargis. I was married on 6 August 2023, to Khaja Rafi, son of SI Baba from Sozhavaram, Tiruvannamalai. Because of that only untold cruelty happened. My in-laws gave 30 gold ornaments as dowry, and the wedding expenses amounted to over ₹10 lakhs. They kept demanding more jewelry and money, asking me to go home and ask my parents. My parents had already taken loans for everything. Despite all this, they kept bothering me. I couldn’t even tell my parents because they had taken my phone away and kept locked up at home, so I wouldn’t tell anyone outside. Their relatives were also supportive of them. Since I had no one to support me, I couldn’t tell my parents and was suffering a lot. Then, suddenly, through my parents, I told them what was happening. As soon as they came to inquire, my in-laws spoke insultingly and kicked me out of the house. After that, I stayed at home for 10 months. Then, through the Jamaat (community council), I filed a complaint about being beaten and harassed, and about not being given food. After the complaint, they made us reconcile. But when I went back, my husband challenged me, saying, “Watch what I do to you, I’ll make you suffer”. I went back, but I didn’t have peace there. The same family started creating problems again, demanding dowry, goods, and other unnecessary things. Then, we came to Vellore district. In Mullai Nagar, Sathuperi Nagar, Vellore district, my father-in-law and husband found a house and made us live there. My husband, influenced by their words, unnecessarily beat and kicked me severely. He hit me with a fan rod on my body, everywhere he could. He kicked me in my chest and stomach. While I was sleeping, he would prick me with needles. He tortured me like that. Even while eating, he would put his foot on my hand and crush it. He tortured me like this, and I couldn’t tell my parents because they had snatched my phone away. My phone is still there. I couldn’t tell anyone because they had my phone. Then, on June 3rd, he would leave me alone at night and lock me in the house, so I couldn’t talk to anyone. On, 3rd June 2025, he came back from work at 10:30 PM. He asked me, “How will your parents dare to talk with mine? We should have cut you off from them long ago.” He blackmailed me with such words. He beat and kicked me so much, even after all that. I pleaded with him, “Please leave me, I won’t make this mistake again, I won’t tell my parents. They also won’t get involved in any discussions.” But he didn’t listen to me even after all my pleas and hit me so much. At that time, he went upstairs, Anna, talking to my father-in-law on the phone. While he was on the line, I asked, “I can’t live with him. What should I do?” My father-in-law replied, “As long as she’s there, this is how it will be. We can only be peaceful if she leaves.” After hearing this, as my father told me, (thinking) What else can I say beyond this he pushed me from upstairs. I was crying and pleading, but he suddenly pushed me. He was watching me from upstairs, but he didn’t respond or call the neighbors. My legs were dangling, bleeding from the pain, and my hip was broken. Both my legs were hanging down and broken. My left leg was shattered, and my right leg was half broken. They said if they had left it for a little longer, my leg would have to be amputated. My leg barely works now. The people there called an ambulance and took me to the hospital.”
According to the survivor, after she was seriously injured allegedly pushed off a terrace by her husband she was visited by her husband and father-in-law, in the hospital. Instead of showing concern for her condition, they reportedly pressured her to stay silent about the incident. The young woman claimed she was threatened with being poisoned through medical staff if she revealed the truth, and her parents were also threatened with legal consequences. Fearful for her life, she felt she had no choice but to remain silent.
After being discharged from the hospital on 22 June, she returned home and learned more about what had happened from her family. On 8 July, she filed a formal complaint at Ariyur Police Station. Despite submitting a written complaint and being made to sign blank papers, she says the police failed to conduct a thorough investigation. Instead of hearing her side in the hospital, authorities allegedly relied on statements from her husband and in-laws. She was later asked to record a video saying her in-laws prevented police from meeting her, but claims no further action was taken no follow-ups, no arrests, no questioning.
Feeling ignored and betrayed by the system, she decided to take her case directly to the district administration. She appeared at the Collectorate, in unbearable pain, ahead of a scheduled operation. Both her legs are broken, and she is suffering from spinal injuries. One leg required a bone graft. Her physical condition has left her completely dependent on others, unable to sit, stand, or even hold light objects.
Despite her condition, she was left alone and unsupported. She expressed deep anguish that those who caused her suffering have now distanced themselves. Her parents, already struggling financially, are shouldering all medical expenses. She questioned how those responsible could simply walk away from their responsibilities after causing so much harm. She insisted that not just her husband, but the entire family must be held accountable.
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