The State capital is witnessing a worrying escalation in domestic violence cases, with data revealing that on average, more than five women fall victim to abuse every day. Marital disputes, lack of compatibility, and financial pressures have been identified as the leading causes behind the rising trend, which has seen a significant spike since 2024. According to records from the Mahila Thana (Women’s Police Station), the trajectory of registered cases shows a steep climb. In 2024, approximately 763 cases were filed, averaging 2 to 3 reports daily. This number surged to 1,964 in 2025, pushing the daily average to nearly four cases. The situation has turned even more critical in the first 75 days of 2026, with 376 cases already registered, bringing the daily average to over five cases. Dowry harassment on the rise: A breakdown of the statistics highlights that dowry-related cruelty remains the most prevalent form of abuse. In 2024, 600 dowry harassment cases were recorded, which jumped to 1,500 in 2025. By March 15, 2026, over 200 such complaints had already been lodged, indicating that 2 to 3 women are harassed for dowry every single day in the city. Case Study 1: Rs 5-crore dowry demand In a shocking incident, a 31-year-old resident of Ratibad, the daughter of a retired police officer, filed a complaint against her Delhi-based businessman husband and in-laws. Married in 2018, the victim alleged that her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law began demanding Rs 5 crore as dowry shortly after the wedding.

 

Upon her refusal, she was subjected to physical assault and mental torture. The police have registered a formal case of dowry harassment against the accused. Case Study 2: Triple Talaq threat during pregnancy A 23-year-old resident of Nishatpura, married in 2022, approached the Mahila Thana alleging relentless harassment for a motorcycle and jewellery. The victim stated that after she became three months pregnant, her in-laws physically assaulted her and threw her out of the house. Her husband allegedly questioned the paternity of the unborn child and threatened her with ‘Triple Talaq’. A case has been registered against the husband and his parents. Yearly statistics analysis: The statistical data from the Mahila Thana highlights a concerning year-on-year increase in domestic violence. In 2024, the total number of domestic violence cases stood at 763, with dowry harassment accounting for 600 of those reports and physical assault remaining consistent throughout the year. The following year, 2025, saw a massive spike to 1,964 total cases, with dowry harassment more than doubling to 1,500 reports and cruelty by husbands and in-laws showing a significant upward trend.

 

As of March 15, 2026, the situation remains dire with 376 total cases already registered; within this short period, dowry harassment has exceeded 200 cases, while physical assault and cruelty by family members continue to be reported at a high frequency. Expert Analysis: Why Relationships are Fraying? Family Court Counsellor Shail Awasthi attributed the rise in cases to a complex mix of social and economic factors. “Increasing stress, familial discord, economic pressure, and changing lifestyles are creating friction in relationships. Furthermore, rising awareness among women means more victims are now coming forward to report abuse, which was previously suppressed,” Awasthi noted. Mahila Thana In-charge Anjana Dubey emphasised that every complaint undergoes a thorough scrutiny process. “We receive various types of complaints related to domestic violence. After a preliminary probe, we first attempt to resolve the disputes through counselling. We encourage reconciliation where possible; however, if mediation fails and the evidence suggests cruelty, we proceed with registering a formal FIR,” Dubey said.