NRI marital desertions on the rise in Haryana

The issue of non-resident Indian (NRI) husbands abandoning their wives after wedding is on the rise in Haryana, with the state witnessing a growing number of complaints filed by distressed women. In Karnal district alone, around 55 cases have been registered over the past five years, leading to the issuance of 60 look out circulars (LOCs) against NRI husbands and their family members, police officials confirmed.

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Keeping track

We take such cases seriously and issue look out circulars (LOCs) to ensure that absconding husbands are tracked and brought to justice. — Ganga Ram Punia, sp, karnal

LOCs are issued to prevent the accused from leaving the country or to detain them upon arrival, ensuring their appearance before Indian courts.

Several women allege that their NRI husbands married them, left for foreign shores, and then severed all contact, leaving them in emotional, social and financial distress.

For Sunita (name changed), 33, life took a tragic turn when her husband left for Cyprus five years ago, promising to return soon. “He stopped answering my calls and cut off all contact. I have been waiting endlessly,” she shared. After years of uncertainty, the Women Police Station in Karnal issued an LOC against her husband.

“I have investigated the case and issued the LOC. It’s crucial that such men face legal consequences for abandoning their wives,” said Satvinder Kaur, SHO, Women Police Station, Karnal.

On January 16, the plight of such women was highlighted when Haryana State Women Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia visited Karnal to review cases involving NRI husbands. Three women presented their grievances during her visit.

Bhatia assured them of strict action, stating, “We will not hesitate to initiate deportation procedures if needed. Such men cannot escape responsibility.” She also urged families of the accused to cooperate with investigations to avoid further legal complications.

In another heart-wrenching case, a woman revealed that her husband left for the UK just six months after their wedding and never contacted her again. “I tried everything — calls, emails, even reaching out to his friends — but there’s been no response. I want justice now,” she pleaded.

The Karnal Police continue to coordinate with immigration authorities, ensuring that LOCs remain active and effective in tracking absconding husbands.

“We take such cases seriously and register FIRs promptly. LOCs are crucial to ensure that these men are intercepted at airports and held accountable,” said Ganga Ram Punia, SP, Karnal.