Hapur: An FIR was registered on Thursday against Hapur Municipal Council chairperson Pushpa Devi and six members of her family on charges of dowry harassment, domestic violence, and sexual harassment, following a court directive, police confirmed.

The case was filed based on a complaint by the niece of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati. The complainant had married Vishal Singh, son of Pushpa Devi, on 9 November 2023, according to Rajeev Sharma, the advocate representing her.

BSP expels Pushpa Devi and family members

Taking swift action, the BSP on Thursday expelled Pushpa Devi, her husband Shripal Singh, and son Vishal Singh from the party on grounds of "anti-party activities and indiscipline," stated the party's district president A K Kardam in a press release.

Dowry demands and allegations of abuse

Sharma alleged that the family used their political influence to demand Rs 50 lakh in cash, a flat, and a party ticket following the marriage.

The complainant also claimed that her husband consumed steroids for bodybuilding, leaving him medically unfit for a physical relationship. This reportedly led to frequent disputes.

Alleged sexual harassment and threats

On 17 February 2025, the woman alleged that her father-in-law and brother-in-law attempted to sexually assault her, after which she returned to her parental home, said Sharma. Despite filing a complaint with the local police, no immediate action was taken, prompting her to approach the court. "On the direction of Chief Judicial Magistrate Brahmpal Singh, an FIR was registered at Hapur Nagar Kotwali on 10 April," said SHO Munish Pratap Singh.

Charges registered under BNS and dowry law

The FIR includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Dowry Prohibition Act. Those named include Pushpa Devi, her husband Shripal Singh, her son Vishal Singh, and four other relatives.

According to the FIR, the woman faced mental and physical harassment from her husband and his family, who allegedly pressured her to provide Rs 50 lakh and a flat in Ghaziabad.

The FIR further states that when she raised concerns over her husband’s medical condition, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law allegedly suggested she conceive a child with her brother-in-law Bhupendra, also known as Monu.

The complainant said that on the night of 17 February, her father-in-law and brother-in-law tried to sexually assault her.

"Despite raising an alarm, they threatened to destroy her and her family’s reputation if their dowry demands were not fulfilled," the FIR stated.

She claimed that due to her in-laws’ political standing, her complaints were initially ignored. A registered complaint sent to the Superintendent of Police on 21 March allegedly went unanswered, leading her to approach the court on 24 March.

PTI