Indian authorities are seeking the deportation of an Indian national from New Zealand. This follows allegations by his former wife of domestic violence. The allegations include dowry-related abuse, financial misconduct, and immigration matters.
The case, reported by the New Zealand Herald, involves an Indian woman named Pooja*. She says the breakdown of her arranged marriage has left her with prolonged legal proceedings. There are financial liabilities and disputes over her child’s care.
Documents examined by the NZ Herald indicate that Indian authorities have asked New Zealand officials to deport her former husband. He is identified as Raj*, who is wanted in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation in India.
An Indian police summary provided to New Zealand authorities states investigators alleged marriage was entered into as a pre-planned scheme. The scheme aimed for financial and immigration benefits, and was falsely portrayed as genuine.
Indian authorities also alleged that Raj had used international borders to avoid legal consequences.
In April 2025, a police sub-inspector reportedly asked New Zealand authorities to cancel Raj’s visa and deport him, citing his alleged failure to cooperate with the investigation.
Raj has denied wrongdoing.
He told the NZ Herald that court proceedings relating to Pooja’s allegations were continuing in India and said there was no evidence that he had committed domestic violence.
His passport has reportedly expired, while Indian authorities have alleged it was cancelled after he failed to comply with a court summons or warrant.
Pooja has also alleged that about $100,000 worth of her gold jewellery was taken during the marriage. Raj has disputed the allegations.
The former couple’s dispute has also included allegations concerning dowry.
Pooja said requests for gifts and jewellery began while the couple were being introduced through an arranged marriage process and that demands continued after the wedding.
Raj denied that his family had demanded dowry, saying the allegations were unsupported.
The case has also highlighted concerns raised by advocates about dowry-related abuse affecting some migrant women in New Zealand.
Shakti, an organisation supporting people from Asian, African and Middle Eastern communities affected by domestic and sexual violence, told the Herald that more than 75 per cent of Indian victims who approached the organisation had reported dowry abuse.
Shakti lead counsellor Shila Nair said alleged dowry-related abuse could involve demands for cash, jewellery, vehicles, land or housing contributions, as well as psychological and financial abuse.
Nair also said some migrant women could become particularly vulnerable when they arrive in New Zealand through arranged marriages and have limited family or social support in the country.
Pooja has separately alleged that financial commitments were taken out in her name without her knowledge.
She said she discovered a vehicle loan of about $21,500 had been taken out in her name and later became aware of a life insurance policy that she alleged would have provided a substantial payment to Raj if she died.
Pooja said she eventually settled the vehicle loan with assistance from her family.
Raj disputed her account of the vehicle loan, saying she was aware of it and that he had evidence supporting his position. He also denied taking out the alleged life insurance policy.
Pooja lodged a complaint with Indian police in early 2024 alleging domestic violence, dowry abuse, financial exploitation and immigration fraud.
According to the Herald, an Indian police summary subsequently provided to New Zealand authorities alleged that Pooja had experienced domestic violence, financial exploitation, immigration fraud and emotional trauma during the marriage.
Pooja also approached New Zealand Police in October 2024 with allegations concerning financial irregularities, domestic violence and emotional abuse.
New Zealand Police reportedly did not pursue one of the complaints, saying it did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution and was considered a civil matter.
Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that it is aware of correspondence received in 2025 concerning an Indian national and allegations originating overseas.
INZ said the information was reviewed when received but that, based on the information available at the time, there was insufficient evidence to take immediate immigration action.
The matter has since been referred for further internal assessment.
INZ said it could not provide specific details because of privacy considerations and the ongoing assessment.
The agency said immigration authorities generally consider whether visa holders facing criminal charges or allegations may be liable for deportation under the Immigration Act.
New Zealand Police also said it received an unverified email in March 2025 from someone claiming to be an Indian police officer. The email was forwarded to Interpol Wellington, which advised the sender to pursue the matter through Interpol New Delhi.
Pooja said the prolonged dispute had affected her finances, career and personal life. She said she was currently relying on benefits and alleged that Raj was not paying child support.
Despite the difficulties, she said she wanted to raise awareness about the challenges faced by migrant women experiencing abuse.
“This is not only about me,” she told the Herald.
“I can survive on not much food, but I want to fight for other women also.”
The allegations against Raj have not been proven in court. Raj has denied wrongdoing, and the matter remains subject to ongoing legal and immigration processes in India and New Zealand.
Disclaimer: *Names have been changed to protect the identity of the persons involved.
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