Mumbai: A 14-year-old girl and her mother are recovering in hospital after a brutal attack allegedly carried out by the girl’s father, identified as Hanumant Sonawale, in the early hours of the morning. The man, reportedly heavily intoxicated and enraged after an argument with his wife, barged into his daughter’s room and slit her neck with a blade before turning on his wife when she attempted to intervene. Police have arrested the accused and initiated a detailed investigation into the incident, which has shocked the local community.
Argument escalates into violent assault
Initial investigation has revealed that Sonawale, who was unemployed and battling addiction, had a history of domestic violence. According to police sources, he frequently assaulted his wife, Rajshree, and often accused her of having an extramarital affair. These suspicions, coupled with his alcoholism, led to repeated verbal and physical altercations within the household.
Moments before the attack, the couple had reportedly engaged in a heated argument. Under the influence of alcohol, Sonawale stormed into his daughter’s room while she was asleep and attacked her with a blade, leaving her with a deep wound on the neck. Hearing the teenager’s screams, Rajshree rushed to her rescue, only to be attacked on the stomach by her husband.
The incident, police say, appears to have been triggered by Sonawale’s stress over his wife’s recent decision to file for divorce. He had allegedly become increasingly unstable after learning that she had consulted a lawyer regarding the petition.
Mother and daughter hospitalised
Both the mother and daughter were immediately rushed to Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali, where they are currently undergoing treatment. The teenager has received five stitches on her neck, and doctors have confirmed that both victims are stable but traumatised.
Neighbours told police that frequent quarrels between the couple were common, and Sonawale’s drinking habit had worsened in recent months. They also stated that the family had been living in fear due to his violent outbursts.
A case has been registered against him under sections related to attempted murder, domestic violence and causing grievous injuries. Police officials said that further statements from the victims will be recorded once they recover sufficiently.
Larger concerns over rising domestic violence
The incident adds to a worrying trend of domestic violence cases being reported in Mumbai. Police authorities have repeatedly emphasised the need for early intervention in households where substance abuse and physical violence are present. Social workers familiar with the case noted that victims often remain silent due to fear, financial dependence or social stigma, allowing abuse to escalate into life-threatening situations.
Officials added that counselling support will be extended to the mother and daughter once their medical treatment is complete.
Separate case: Businesswoman alleges assault and blackmail
In another troubling incident earlier this week, a 51-year-old businesswoman in Mumbai filed a complaint alleging that she was stripped naked and filmed at gunpoint. The accused has been named as Joy John Pascal Post, Managing Director and founder member of Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals (FIPPL).
According to her complaint, she was invited to the company office under the pretext of a meeting. Once inside, she was allegedly forced to remove her clothes at gunpoint, abused verbally and recorded without consent. The woman further stated that she was threatened with the release of the images and videos if she informed anyone.
She has named Post and five others in her complaint to the Mumbai police. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.
Conclusion
The two back-to-back incidents have sparked outrage among citizens, highlighting the urgent need for stronger mechanisms to protect women and children from domestic and workplace violence. Police have assured swift action in both cases and emphasised that the safety of victims remains the highest priority in the ongoing investigations.