A woman in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district was subjected to horrific physical abuse by her husband, who suspected her of having an extramarital affair. The assault took place on June 13 in the village of Deoriakothi, leaving the woman severely injured and traumatised. The accused, 40-year-old Shatrughan Rai, was arrested shortly after an FIR was filed.

The survivor, a mother of three, described the shocking brutality inflicted upon her. She said her husband inserted chilli powder into her private parts, burned her thighs and genitals with a hot iron, and attempted to electrocute her. “For the last six months, my husband and his family have been suspecting me. When I offered to undergo a medical test to prove my innocence, they threatened to kill me. Then, they did things that even animals wouldn’t do,” she told India Today.

Neighbours Stood Silent During the Incident

Despite her desperate cries during the two-day ordeal, neighbours remained silent out of fear. It wasn’t until June 15 that the victim was rescued by her brother after the maternal side of the family was informed. She was first taken to Paroo Primary Health Centre (PHC), and due to the extent of her injuries, referred to Shree Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) for further care.

On June 16, the woman filed a police complaint against her husband and his family members—mother-in-law Dukhni Devi (45), brother-in-law Sumesh Rai (30), and sister-in-law Pushpa Devi (26). While Rai has been arrested, the remaining three accused are currently on the run.

FIR has been Registered

“The case is extremely serious. Charges related to domestic violence and physical assault have been registered. Raids are underway to arrest the remaining accused,” confirmed senior police officer Ram Vinay Kumar, who is overseeing the investigation.

According to the woman, the violence had been escalating for months, triggered by baseless accusations of infidelity made by her husband and in-laws. The couple, married for 10 years, share three children. She claims the situation deteriorated despite her attempts to prove her innocence, even offering to undergo medical evaluation.

Victim Under Medical Observation

Police officials have confirmed that the survivor suffered severe injuries and are ensuring that she receives both medical assistance and legal support. Authorities have vowed that all individuals involved in the crime will be brought to justice.

The accused, Shatrughan Rai, is reported to be a small-time businessman who runs a cosmetics shop in the village. His arrest marks the beginning of what police say will be a thorough investigation into the involvement of other family members in the alleged torture.