Dehradun: A shocking case of alleged domestic abuse has emerged from Dehradun, where a woman was reportedly confined in a toilet, deprived of adequate food and subjected to brutal physical torture by her husband and in-laws for nearly 10 months.
The victim, identified as Sakshi, was rescued earlier this week from her home in Bhauwala Sainik Colony after her father, Sanjeev Bahuguna, managed to gain access to the house with the assistance of the village pradhan and panchayat representatives. Following the rescue, Selakui police registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by her father.
According to the complaint, Sakshi’s ordeal began in July 2025, a few months after she gave birth to twins in February. Her father alleged that from the day the children were born, they were taken away from her by her husband Rahul Khandudi and his parents, who allegedly prevented her from meeting or even holding her newborn babies.
The complaint further states that Sakshi was locked inside a toilet every day from morning until late at night. During the period of confinement, she was allegedly provided only minimal food, including raw rice, an onion, salt and a green chilli, resulting in severe physical weakness.
Bahuguna alleged that his daughter was repeatedly assaulted with iron rods, pipes, chairs and whips, causing multiple injuries. He further claimed that she was subjected to extreme physical abuse and humiliation while being completely isolated from her family.
According to the FIR, the victim’s parents were unable to contact or meet her for several months, as calls were allegedly intercepted by her mother-in-law, who provided misleading explanations regarding Sakshi’s condition and whereabouts.
The situation came to light when Sakshi’s parents visited the house and sought access to their daughter. They were initially denied entry, but later rescued her in the presence of local community representatives. Family members alleged that when she was freed, Sakshi appeared severely traumatised and disoriented, unable to recall basic details such as the date, month or year.
Based on the complaint, police have booked Rahul Khandudi and his parents under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation and intentional insult.
Investigating officer Shashi Rana said a case has been registered and the victim’s statements will be recorded as part of the ongoing investigation. Further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the probe.
