Thane police’s 'Bharosa cell' helps reconcile 338 warring couples in January

THANE: For the once-warring couples here, the constabulary has emerged as a benefactor, having preserved the marriages of 338 couples in January 2024.
The Bharosa cell of the Thane crime branch, under the supervision of Thane police commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre, has adeptly handled familial tensions and successfully resolved spousal disputes. Through counselling and prudent guidance, they have circumvented litigation and protracted court proceedings.
Recently, a 26-year-old girl wed her partner of four years against parental wishes.However, within months of their nuptials, the couple recognised their cultural disparities, which led to discord and their apparent decision to separate through divorce. They were subsequently directed to counselling teams at the Bharosa cell, where expert counsellors and psychologists resolved their issues, and they now coexist harmoniously.
This represents one case among 338 reconciled complaints, whilst 92 complainants who approached the Bharosa cell could not reach an accord and were referred for further legal proceedings at courts or police stations.
The Bharosa operates from the DCP zone-1 office near police grounds, where couples queue to resolve their disputes.
The counselling team has successfully addressed divergences amongst couples of various age brackets, averting divorce proceedings.
A police officer disclosed that a team of counsellors, comprising psychologists, physicians and advocates, are engaged for counselling based on case requirements. Currently, nine distinct NGOs participate discreetly in the team to resolve discrepancies and prevent separations.
A police officer stated, "Marital discord cases emerge due to various differences amongst young couples or numerous personal reasons. We must adhere to a government resolution (GR), making it mandatory for all police stations to refer warring couples for counselling before registering cases under relevant sections of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita."
"Initially, we summon applicants to record their statements, followed by the other party within days. Subsequently, both parties are scheduled to meet face-to-face to resolve matters," the police officer elaborated.
The volunteers alongside officers conduct extensive counselling sessions, highlighting potential post-separation difficulties.
Primary causes of marital discord include in-law interference, social media influences, maintaining previous romantic connections, ego conflicts, dowry demands, forced marriages and suspicion.
The most awkward situation that came fore was that a man caught his wife stripping on a video call from a mobile application for money that led to the fight.