Bengaluru: A 35-year-old software engineer allegedly died by suicide following a domestic dispute with her mother-in-law at her residence in the city, marking the second such death involving a tech professional in Bengaluru within a week. Police have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident, amid allegations of dowry harassment raised by her family.
The deceased has been identified as Sushma, who had previously worked with a major US-based technology company. She had been married to Puneeth Kumar for five years, and the couple has a four-year-old son.
Frequent domestic disputes alleged
According to police sources, Sushma’s family had reported frequent disagreements within the household. Her relatives have accused her husband’s family of subjecting her to harassment over dowry-related issues.
Police stated that Sushma and her mother-in-law, Kalpana, allegedly had regular arguments over minor domestic matters. On Tuesday, a quarrel reportedly broke out between the two over cooking arrangements in the house.
“A quarrel is said to have broken out between Sushma and her mother-in-law, allegedly over cooking,” police said, adding that further details are being verified.
Sushma’s family has alleged that her mother-in-law did not allow her to cook and had been harassing her on various issues. They claim that the ongoing domestic discord had caused her severe mental distress.
Husband arrested, mother-in-law absconding
Distressed over the situation, Sushma allegedly hanged herself at home on Tuesday. The incident came to light soon after, and her family lodged a complaint with the police.
Based on the complaint, police have arrested her husband, Puneeth Kumar, under charges related to dowry harassment. Efforts are underway to trace her mother-in-law, who is currently not available for questioning.
A case has been registered at the Soladevanahalli Police Station, and further investigation is in progress. Police said they are recording statements from family members and neighbours and are examining all aspects, including allegations of dowry harassment.
Second tech professional suicide in a week
The incident comes just days after another tech professional allegedly died by suicide in the city.
On February 28, a 27-year-old woman, Vidyajyoti, was found dead at her residence in MEI Layout in Bagalagunte. She was employed with Bosch and was working from home at the time.
According to police, Vidyajyoti had been in a relationship with a man from another caste, and both families had reportedly agreed to the marriage. However, a preliminary inquiry revealed that her parents had consulted an astrologer who predicted possible misunderstandings in the marriage two years later, potentially leading to separation.
The astrologer had reportedly advised a nine-day ritual to avert the predicted issues. On the ninth day of the ritual, when her parents were away, Vidyajyoti allegedly hanged herself from a ceiling fan in her room.
The matter came to light after she failed to respond to repeated knocks on her door, prompting her father to break it open. A case of Unnatural Death Report (UDR) was registered, and investigations are ongoing.
Investigations continue
With two tech professionals dying by suicide within a span of days, authorities are continuing their probes into both cases. In Sushma’s case, police are examining allegations of dowry harassment, domestic discord and any other contributing factors.
Officials have urged families facing domestic conflicts to seek counselling and mediation support. They also reiterated that harassment related to dowry is a punishable offence under law and assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
As the city’s tech community reels from the consecutive tragedies, police have emphasised that conclusions will only be drawn after a thorough and impartial inquiry into each case.
