Days after the death of 38-year-old Deepti Chaurasia, daughter-in-law of Kamla Pasand pan masala owner Kamal Kishor Chaurasia, her mother has levelled serious allegations of sustained harassment and domestic violence against Deepti’s husband and mother-in-law. Acting on her complaint, the Delhi Police on Friday registered an FIR against both accused at the Vasant Vihar police station.

According to the complaint, Deepti had been facing physical and mental cruelty almost from the early months of her marriage, which took place on December 2, 2010. Her mother alleged that despite repeated assurances from Deepti’s husband and his family, the harassment continued over the years. She further accused the mother-in-law of mistreating Deepti, humiliating her in social circles, and deliberately excluding her from family functions.

In her statement, the complainant said that just days before Deepti’s death, her son-in-law had returned from a foreign trip, after which fresh arguments took place between the couple. On the morning of November 25, Deepti reportedly spoke to her mother, discussed the quarrel, and asked about her father’s health. When her mother tried calling again late that morning, Deepti did not respond. On contacting the mother-in-law, she was told Deepti had gone out, while her husband allegedly claimed he was on his way home. Soon after, the family received a call informing them that Deepti had been taken to a hospital, where she was declared dead.

Police said Deepti was found hanging in a room of her Vasant Vihar residence. A diary allegedly containing notes about frequent marital disputes was recovered from her room. Investigators added that the couple had been living in separate houses due to ongoing discord.

Based on the mother's complaint, a case has been registered under Section 108 (abetment of suicide) and Section 3(5) (joint liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Deepti’s husband and mother-in-law.