Bureaucracy
IAS Officer Accused of Breaking Doctor Wife’s Hands in Domestic Violence Case
Agartala: An IAS officer in Tripura, K. Pradip Krishnaraj, has been accused of physically assaulting his wife, Dr. M.J. Difi, a doctor from Kerala, allegedly over unfulfilled dowry demands. The incident, which resulted in Dr. Difi’s hand being fractured, is reportedly the first case of its kind in the state.
Dr. Difi, unable to lodge her complaint at Belonia police station, was forced to approach the State Women’s Commission after repeated inaction by the local police. Despite filing a formal complaint, no action has been taken against the accused IAS officer, who is currently serving as the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Belonia.
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Marriage Turned Sour Over Dowry
According to details reported by local media, the couple tied the knot in March 2022 at Dr. Difi’s paternal home in Tamil Nadu. Initially, the marriage appeared harmonious, but soon after, K. Pradip Krishnaraj and his family allegedly began demanding additional dowry, despite a significant dowry already being provided in the form of cash, gold, and other valuables.
The situation escalated, with Dr. Difi accusing her husband and his family of subjecting her to both physical and sexual abuse. Unable to bear the ordeal, she filed a domestic violence case in a Kerala court.
Assault and Police Inaction
The alleged abuse took a grave turn on January 8 when Dr. Difi and her father, Manikandan, attempted to visit her husband’s official residence in Belonia. According to sources, the IAS officer verbally abused them before physically attacking Dr. Difi, fracturing her left hand.
Following the assault, Dr. Difi sought initial treatment at Belonia Hospital and later at GBP Hospital in Agartala. Despite her efforts to file a complaint at Belonia police station, officers allegedly refused to register it, citing the IAS officer’s influence.
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Appeals to Authorities
With no action from the police, Dr. Difi submitted complaints to the State Women’s Commission, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police (DGP). However, there has been no progress on her case. Sources indicate that if the inaction continues, Dr. Difi may escalate her complaint to the National Commission for Women.
Attempts to contact ADM K. Pradip Krishnaraj for his response to the allegations were unsuccessful.
