A 32-year-old woman, married to a merchant navy officer, was found dead at her residence in Lucknow, just five months after her wedding. The couple had tied the knot on February 25, 2025, after connecting via a matrimonial site.
While the husband claimed suicide, the woman’s family alleged dowry harassment, domestic violence, and murder, according to NDTV. The post-mortem confirmed hanging as the cause of death. The husband, employed with a Hong Kong-based shipping firm, has been taken into custody.
The woman’s father filed a police complaint, stating the groom demanded a ₹15 lakh dowry prior to marriage, but her family could only provide ₹5 lakh. WhatsApp messages reportedly show him persistently demanding more money, even after the wedding.
Just weeks after marriage, during Holi, the woman was physically assaulted, prompting her to briefly return to her parental home. Her father later met the remaining demand to bring peace, but the abuse allegedly continued.
According to her sister, the woman became isolated—only allowed to use her phone when her husband was away. She was allegedly beaten for trivial matters, such as placing a plate incorrectly, and pressured to drink alcohol.
The family further alleged that the husband was involved with an ex-girlfriend and had even forced his wife to abort a pregnancy. Hotel records dated July 31 allegedly support the infidelity claim.
Her father said she last spoke to her sister on August 3, revealing another assault. She was later declared dead on August 4, with the family being informed five hours late.