Bengaluru: A 22-year-old married woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her residence in Yelahanka, prompting a police investigation after her family alleged that the death was a case of murder staged as suicide.
The deceased has been identified as Shruthi. According to police sources, she was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her house on Saturday.
Family members reportedly discovered her hanging and immediately rushed her to a nearby hospital. However, doctors declared her brought dead.
The Yelahanka New Town Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Body sent for post-mortem examination
Police said the body has been sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Officials stated that the post-mortem report will play a crucial role in establishing whether the death was due to suicide or if there were other factors involved.
Investigators are also examining the statements of family members and neighbours as part of the inquiry.
Family stages protest alleging murder
On Sunday, relatives of the deceased staged a protest, alleging that the incident was not a suicide but a murder disguised as one.
Family members claimed that Shruthi had been facing harassment from her husband and his family over dowry demands.
According to them, the couple had frequent disputes regarding the issue.
They also alleged that the situation had escalated again recently after a temporary settlement between the two families.
Marriage took place in December 2024
Relatives said Shruthi had married Pawan Kalyan, a private employee, in December 2024.
Following the marriage, she moved to Yelahanka to live with her husband and his family.
The family claims that problems began soon after the marriage, with Shruthi allegedly facing pressure related to additional dowry.
Despite attempts by both families to resolve the matter earlier, tensions reportedly resurfaced recently.
Brother raises suspicion over circumstances
Shruthi’s younger brother Amruth raised doubts about the circumstances of her death while speaking to reporters.
“They told me on the phone that my sister died by suicide. I immediately informed my father. The couple had been arguing earlier that day before I was told she had died,” he said.
He also claimed that the ceiling fan did not appear to have bent or moved significantly, raising suspicions about the claim of suicide.
“My sister weighed around 75 kilograms,” he added while questioning the circumstances under which the incident occurred.
Husband detained for questioning
Following the complaint and allegations raised by the family, the Yelahanka New Town Police have detained Shruthi’s husband Pawan Kalyan for questioning.
Police officials said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation and the post-mortem report.
An official statement regarding any arrest is yet to be issued.
Conclusion
The incident has drawn attention to concerns surrounding dowry-related harassment and suspicious deaths involving married women.
Police have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the facts and ensure appropriate legal action if any wrongdoing is established.
Authorities have also urged the public to report cases of harassment or domestic violence at the earliest.
If you are experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to the 24×7 mental health helpline KIRAN at 1800-599-0019 or Arogya Sahayavani at 104.