Bengaluru: A 31-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide after enduring months of alleged physical and mental harassment over dowry, leading to the arrest of her husband and father-in-law in Bengaluru.
The deceased has been identified as Maimunnisa, who married Junaid (28), a resident of Doddamavalli, on January 19, 2024, following a love marriage. According to the complaint, the couple had convinced their families to approve the marriage.
Police said the bride’s family had provided 45 grams of gold jewellery, a branded wristwatch, and a scooter at the time of the wedding.
Maimunnisa worked as a part-time teacher at a private school, while Junaid was employed as a designer in a factory.
Family alleges prolonged dowry harassment
In his complaint, Maimunnisa’s father, Syed Khalid, alleged that although Junaid treated his daughter well initially, his behaviour changed after the marriage. He reportedly began taking away her salary and subjected her to repeated physical and mental harassment over dowry.
The complaint further alleged that Junaid’s father, Nazir Ahmed, verbally abused Maimunnisa, mentally harassed her, and repeatedly pressured her to bring additional dowry from her parental home.
According to the complainant, Maimunnisa had informed her family on several occasions about the alleged abuse and harassment she was facing.
Husband, father-in-law arrested
At around 2.30 am on July 17, Junaid allegedly called Syed Khalid and asked him to come to Victoria Hospital. Upon reaching the mortuary, Khalid found his daughter’s body. Junaid informed him that Maimunnisa had allegedly died by suicide by hanging herself at their residence.
Holding Junaid and Nazir Ahmed responsible for allegedly driving his daughter to take the extreme step through continuous dowry harassment, Syed Khalid lodged a complaint at the Kalasipalya Police Station.
Police have arrested Junaid and Nazir Ahmed, and both have been remanded to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway.