UP: In-Laws Allegedly Inject Woman With HIV-Infected Syringe Over Dowry Dispute

In a shocking dowry harassment and domestic violence case, a woman in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district accused her in-laws of injecting her with an HIV-tainted syringe after her family was unable to meet their mounting dowry demands. The case was registered on the orders of a court after an initial police inaction.

Dowry Demands and Abuse

As per the woman's father, his daughter Sonal Saini was wedded to Abhishek alias Sachin, a native of Haridwar, on February 15, 2023. Inspite of giving a car and ₹15 lakh in cash as dowry, the bridegroom's family was said to be dissatisfied and subsequently asked for a Scorpio SUV and another ₹25 lakh.

When Sonal's parents did not acquiesce, she was physically and mentally tortured, according to allegations. Later, she was thrown out of her in-laws' home. She was returned after a panchayat intervened at the village level. The torture allegedly increased further.

HIV Infection and Medical Diagnosis

Months down the line, Sonal's health started worsening, and her family took her to see a doctor. To their surprise, the doctor ran medical tests that indicated she had been infected with HIV, despite her husband's negative test for the virus. This sparked doubts that she had been intentionally injected with an HIV-tainted needle by her in-laws as part of a conspiracy to hurt her.

Legal Action and Police Investigation

At first, when Sonal's family went to the police, no case was initiated against the accused. Incensed, they turned to the law, and then a local court directed the police to file a case. The police have now lodged an FIR against Sonal's husband, his parents, and other relatives on various charges, including dowry harassment, beating, and attempt to murder.

Increasing Worries Regarding Dowry Crimes

As the investigations continue, Sonal and her family hope for justice, hoping that this case will act as a wake-up call for the authorities to act more forcefully against dowry crimes.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)