Woman’s head forcibly tonsured after husband dies

Rajkot: A 36-year-old widow from Rajkot has accused her in-laws of forcibly shaving her head days after her husband’s death, subjecting her to physical and mental harassment, and depriving her and her two children of their rightful share in the family’s assets.

Based on a complaint filed by the woman, a resident of Mayani Nagar, the Rajkot Mahila Police Station has registered a case against her mother-in-law, father-in-law and sister-in-law under relevant sections of BNS and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

According to the complaint, the woman married a Jetpur resident in 2014, and the couple later had a son and a daughter. She alleged that her mother-in-law and sister-in-law frequently interfered in the couple’s personal life, leading to recurring disputes between her and her husband. The couple eventually started living separately from other family members.

The woman stated that her husband was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2023. During his treatment, tensions allegedly surfaced within the family as some relatives relied more on occult rituals and superstitious practices than medical treatment. She alleged that spiritual healers were repeatedly called to the house while her husband was undergoing treatment.

According to the complaint, her husband arranged around Rs 17 lakh in 2025 for a garlic trading business by pledging her jewellery. She further alleged that her brother contributed an additional Rs 3 lakh in instalments to support the venture.

Her husband died in November 2025 while undergoing treatment for cancer.

The widow alleged that within days of his death, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law forced her to undergo tonsure, claiming it was necessary to bring peace to her husband’s soul. She further claimed that she was subsequently branded as inauspicious, subjected to humiliation and pressure, and asked to leave her matrimonial home.

The complaint also alleges that her in-laws took control of her late husband’s assets, including properties, vehicles, business documents and bank records. She accused them of withdrawing money from his bank account using his ATM card after his death and depriving her children of their lawful inheritance.

Police have initiated an investigation into the allegations and are recording statements of those concerned as part of the inquiry.