In January 2024, the Thane crime branch’s Bharosa cell helped 338 couples reconcile marital disputes, preventing lengthy court battles. Under the guidance of Thane police commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre, the Bharosa cell has become a crucial intervention for resolving family tensions. With expert counsellors and psychologists, they provide counselling to couples, offering guidance and preventing divorce.
One notable case involved a 26-year-old woman who married her partner of four years despite her parents’ objections. However, cultural differences soon led to marital discord, pushing them toward divorce. The couple sought help at the Bharosa cell, where professional counselling helped them overcome their issues and rebuild their relationship.
This success is part of the 338 reconciled cases, though 92 complainants were unable to reconcile and were referred for further legal proceedings. The Bharosa cell operates from the DCP zone-1 office near the police grounds, where couples line up for support. The counselling team includes psychologists, physicians, and advocates, with nine NGOs participating to help resolve disputes and avoid separations.
A police officer explained that the counselling process is mandatory for all couples before any legal action is taken. Both parties are interviewed, and face-to-face meetings are arranged to encourage reconciliation. Counsellors, volunteers, and officers conduct in-depth sessions to highlight the challenges that can arise from separation.
The primary cause of marital discord is often driven by factors such as in-law interference, social media influence, previous romantic relationships, ego conflicts, dowry demands, forced marriages, and suspicions. A particularly awkward case involved a husband discovering his wife stripping on a video call for money, which escalated their fight.
The Bharosa Cell’s proactive approach aims to prevent further separations, offering a path to understanding and resolution before resorting to legal action.
