Two women in a live-in relationship in Rajkot were subjected to physical assault by the brother of one of them. The incident unfolded as the couple was living together against the wishes of their respective families. One of the women, named Madhvi Vanaliya (24), lodged a complaint with the B Division Police station against Vishal Nandesaniya, the brother of her partner Radhika. The complaint was registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of assault and criminal intimidation. Vanaliya, who is employed at a private firm in the city, has known Radhika for the past two years. The couple had eloped four months ago but were eventually found by Radhika’s family. During that time, the accused had allegedly threatened to harm Vanaliya if she tried to meet his sister. In July the same year, Vanaliya and Radhika decided to enter into an agreement to live together. However, despite the mutual understanding, they were unable to reside together but continued to meet. According to the complaint filed by Vanaliya, on January 8, she and Radhika were intercepted by Vishal near Bedi Chowkdi. Vishal, who works as a truck driver, forced the couple into his truck and transported them to his house. It was there that they were allegedly subjected to physical assault using sticks and a pipe. Radhika’s mother ultimately rescued the two women and immediately took them to a nearby hospital. It was at the hospital that Vanaliya proceeded to file a formal police complaint. The case is now under investigation by the authorities. This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals involved in live-in relationships in societies where such arrangements can be met with strong opposition from family members.