Bengaluru: Even as Bengaluru South continues to reel under shock following a recent incident in which a young couple allegedly lost their lives due to dowry harassment, another disturbing case has surfaced from Magadi taluk in Ramanagara district, once again spotlighting the persistent social evil of dowry and its devastating impact on women.
A young woman, identified as Preethi, has alleged sustained physical and mental harassment by her husband’s family over dowry demands and claimed that she was forcibly thrown out of her matrimonial home within a year of marriage. The allegations are directed against the family of her husband, Roopesh, who is linked to the well-known Maruti Educational Institution in Magadi.
Allegations against influential family
According to Preethi, her parents had agreed to the marriage believing that their daughter would be secure and well cared for, given the family’s social standing and reputation in the education sector. However, she alleged that her ordeal began barely a month after the wedding.
She claimed that her husband’s family started demanding additional dowry and subjected her to continuous harassment when those demands were not fulfilled. The harassment, she alleged, included both physical abuse and mental cruelty on a daily basis.
Claims of control and isolation
Preethi further alleged that she was subjected to severe restrictions within the household. She said she was not allowed to freely speak to or even approach her husband and had to seek permission from her mother-in-law for basic interactions.
Despite the alleged abuse, Preethi said she chose to suffer in silence, hoping that the situation would improve and that she could save her marriage. However, instead of improving, the situation allegedly deteriorated further with time.
Threats and forced eviction
The survivor alleged that her in-laws repeatedly threatened her, stating that if she failed to bring money from her parental home, their son would be married off to another woman. She claimed that such threats caused her immense emotional distress.
According to her complaint, the harassment eventually culminated in her being driven out of the house, leaving her with no shelter or support. With no other option, she decided to approach the authorities and seek justice.
Protest seeking justice
In a rare and bold move, Preethi, along with her family members, has been staging a protest in front of the Maruti Educational Institution in Magadi. Through the protest, she has demanded accountability and urged the authorities to take strict legal action against those responsible for her suffering.
Local residents said the protest has drawn attention due to the prominence of the institution and the seriousness of the allegations.
Police complaint and investigation
Preethi has lodged a formal complaint at the Magadi Police Station against her husband Roopesh, her mother-in-law Varalakshmi, and her father-in-law Gangaraju. Police officials have confirmed that a case has been registered based on her complaint.
A senior police officer said the matter is under investigation and that statements from all concerned parties will be recorded. “We are looking into the allegations in detail. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” the officer said.
Renewed concern over dowry harassment
The case has reignited concerns over dowry-related harassment, particularly involving families with social and economic influence. Women’s rights activists have pointed out that such cases often go unreported due to fear, social pressure and the perceived power of the accused families.
They have stressed the need for strict enforcement of anti-dowry laws and greater support systems for survivors, including legal aid and counselling.
Conclusion
As the investigation progresses, Preethi has reiterated that she is seeking justice and legal accountability for the alleged abuse she endured. The case serves as another grim reminder that dowry harassment continues to plague society, cutting across class and status, and underscores the urgent need for sustained legal and social intervention.