Aligarh: A shocking case of dowry harassment has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh district, where a woman was allegedly provoked by her in-laws to jump off the roof of her two-storey house. The disturbing video of the incident, which took place in Damkauli village under Iglas Tehsil, shows the woman leaping from the roof and being thrashed by her in-laws even as she lay grievously injured.

Video shows woman pushed to edge

The victim, identified as Archana, can be seen standing on the edge of the roof while voices of family members are heard asking her to jump. After she crashes onto the ground, a man and a woman rush toward her and begin beating her, despite her unconscious state. A male voice, presumably of the person filming, can also be heard saying, “mar jaane do” (let her die). Loud cries of a child in the background add to the horror of the footage.

Dowry harassment allegations

Archana, who married Sonu six years ago, has two young sons — Kanishk (4) and Aniket (2). Her brother Ankit alleged that although the family had spent nearly ₹10 lakh on the wedding, her in-laws demanded a Bullet motorcycle and an additional ₹5 lakh in cash. He further accused them of continuous harassment — both mental and physical.

In his statement, Ankit said Archana’s brother-in-law also harassed her with inappropriate advances. When she complained to her mother-in-law, her husband and family members allegedly assaulted her. Archana’s family claimed that her in-laws had threatened to kill her and had provoked her into jumping off the roof.

Police confirm case

Police officials confirmed the case and assured strict action. Mahesh Kumar, a police officer, said:

“A case of a woman jumping from the roof has come to notice in Dakouli village under Gondā police station. Inquiry revealed that the woman had a dispute with her husband and, hurt and instigated, she jumped from the roof. She has been admitted to hospital and her medical examination has been conducted. Based on her written complaint, a case has been registered under relevant sections. The situation is peaceful.”

The woman is undergoing treatment at the Aligarh District Hospital, where doctors have confirmed she sustained severe injuries but is now out of immediate danger.

Widening outrage

The video has sparked outrage across social media, with many calling for stricter enforcement of anti-dowry laws. Women’s rights groups in Aligarh have demanded that the accused be arrested without delay and charged under provisions of dowry harassment and attempt to murder.

The incident once again highlights the continuing menace of dowry-related violence in rural Uttar Pradesh, despite strict laws banning the practice.