Kin accuse husband, in-laws of harassment, domestic violence

The family of Deepti Chaurasia, the daughter-in-law of a pan masala baron who allegedly died by suicide at her Vasant Vihar home, has levelled allegations of sustained harassment and domestic violence against her husband and in-laws.

The family members demanded a thorough probe into the case by the CBI, the police said on Saturday.

Deepti was the daughter-in-law of pan masala baron Kamal Kishor, the man behind well-known Kamla Pasand and Rajshree brands, officials said.

According to the police, Deepti’s mother filed a complaint alleging years of physical and mental abuse by her daughter’s husband and mother-in-law. On the basis of her statement, an FIR has been registered against both of them, a senior officer confirmed.

Deepti got married on December 2, 2010, and the alleged harassment started within months of the marriage. Despite assurances that that it will not be repeated, the situation continued to deteriorate. Her mother-in-law, the complainant said, regularly humiliated Deepti, spoke ill of her socially and kept her out of family events.

The complaint further states that a few days before the incident, Deepti’s husband had travelled abroad. Once he returned, the couple allegedly had frequent arguments.

On November 25, around 7.30 am, Deepti called her mother, mentioned the quarrel and enquired about her father’s health. She advised her daughter to stay calm. When she tried calling again around 11.30 am, Deepti did not answer. On contacting her mother-in-law, she was told that Deepti had gone out, and her husband claimed he was on his way home.

Around noon, the family received a call informing them that Deepti had been taken to a hospital, where she was declared dead.