WOMAN ALLEGEDLY KEPT CONFINED FOR FOUR YEARS BY HUSBAND IN SANGRUR, RESCUED AFTER SEEKING HELP THROUGH VENTILATOR

Naresh Kumar/Sangrur

A woman was rescued from alleged confinement and abuse after she managed to seek help through a ventilator in a room where she had reportedly been kept locked for nearly four years by her husband in basti Bagguana of Sangrur district, police said on Thursday.

According to local residents and officials, the woman alleged that she had been subjected to regular physical assault by her husband named Jani and was denied adequate food despite giving birth to a child during the period of confinement.

The matter came to light when the woman reportedly appealed for help through a small ventilator in the room. Her cries were noticed by nearby residents, who alerted authorities and social workers.

Police officials said a team reached the spot and rescued the woman. Preliminary inquiries revealed that she had allegedly been living in inhuman conditions for several years and had limited contact with the outside world.

The victim told authorities that she was frequently beaten by her husband and was often deprived of proper meals. She further alleged that her movements were severely restricted and that she was not allowed to interact freely with neighbours or relatives.

Officials said the woman and her infant child were shifted to a safe location, where medical examinations were conducted. The woman’s statement is being recorded and counselling support is being provided.

Police have initiated an investigation into the allegations and are examining whether offences related to wrongful confinement, domestic violence, physical assault and cruelty have been committed.

Senior police officers said legal action would be taken on the basis of the findings of the inquiry and the victim’s statement. Authorities are also verifying the duration of the alleged confinement and gathering evidence from neighbours and family members.

The incident has triggered outrage among local residents, who expressed shock that the woman had allegedly remained confined for such a long period without the matter coming to the notice of authorities.