Baripada: A serving sub-inspector of Baripada Town police station has been arrested for allegedly torturing his newly-wed wife over dowry and attempting to kill her by strangling her, police said. The accused, SI Pravat Kumar Nayak, a native of Baniapat in Kendujhar district, was arrested following a complaint lodged by his wife, Sajani Biswal.
Baripa da Town police registered case (542/26) and launched an investigation into allegations of dowry demand, physical assault and an attempt on her life. According to the complaint, Biswal and Nayak were in a relationship and had a physical relationship before marriage.
She alleged that when she insisted on marriage, Nayak initially refused and demanded Rs 10 lakh and 20 tolas of gold. She claimed that she subsequently paid him Rs 1.79 lakh and purchased gold jewellery worth around `7 lakh. Following repeated pressure, the two allegedly married according to Vedic rituals at the Radhakrishna temple in Kuliana June 12.
Biswal alleged that Nayak did not take her to his home after the marriage and instead left her to stay in a hotel and later in a mess. She further alleged that Nayak repeatedly demanded Rs 10 lakh from her parental home and subjected her to physical and mental torture.
During an altercation, he allegedly pressed her neck with his hands and attempted to kill her by strangulation. She also alleged that he threatened to kill her with his service firearm. The complaint further states that Nayak refused her request for a court marriage and threatened to marry another woman from Bhadrak.
Biswal also accused seven other persons of mentally harassing her and allegedly attempting to suppress her allegations. Nayak denied the allegations, describing the matter as a marital dispute. He said he was unable to afford rented accommodation for his wife
