A 26-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide in Karnataka following alleged mental and physical harassment by her husband and in-laws over dowry-related issues.
The victim, identified as Lakshmi Priya, had married Rajesh Aradhya in Mysuru in 2023. According to police, Rajesh Aradhya is a police constable currently posted at the HAL Police Station in Bengaluru’s Marathahalli area.
Family alleges continuous harassment
Based on a complaint filed by Lakshmi Priya’s family, police said she was allegedly subjected to sustained cruelty and harassment by her husband and his parents, Palaksharadhya and Bhagyamma, soon after the marriage.
Officials said Lakshmi Priya later gave birth to a baby girl and had reportedly stayed at her parental home for nearly six months following the delivery.
According to the complaint, just before her death on May 22, Lakshmi Priya allegedly shared her mobile phone password with her younger sister Jayashree through WhatsApp at around 2:31 pm. Family members reportedly tried contacting her repeatedly after receiving the message but were unable to reach her.
Later, when relatives contacted Rajesh Aradhya, he allegedly informed them that Lakshmi Priya had died.
Police register case
Deputy Commissioner of Police Saidulu Advaith said the complaint includes allegations of mental harassment and dowry-related abuse.
Based on the family’s complaint, police have registered a case under Sections 80(2), 85 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Police said an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death and verify the allegations made by the family.
Focus returns to dowry harassment cases
The incident has once again drawn attention to ongoing cases of alleged domestic violence and dowry harassment despite existing legal protections.
Officials said statements from family members and other witnesses are currently being recorded as part of the investigation