‘Hit her on head with set-top box’: Kerala couple, popular for family counselling, in domestic violence row

Based on a complaint from Gigi Mario, police on November 1 booked her husband under the BNS sections related to causing hurt, wrongful restraint and destroying property.

As per the FIR registered by Chalakudy police in Thrissur, the woman had alleged that Mario Joseph physically assaulted her and damaged her mobile phone. The alleged incident took place on October 25.

The FIR said the couple has been estranged for the last nine months due to professional issues.

On October 25, while Gigi was speaking to Mario about their issues, Mario allegedly hit her on her head with a set-top box, dragged her by the hair and physically assaulted her, said the FIR. He also threw away and damaged her mobile phone worth `70,000, said the FIR.

The couple are founders of Philokalia Foundation, which is engaged in family counseling, matrimonial services and various charitable works.

Both conduct spiritual talks, motivational speeches and orientation classes for couples, professionals, teens and youths. Most of the programmes are held under the aegis of various churches. Besides, the couple used to conduct retreat programmes under the banner of the Philokalia foundation.