A 22-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide following sustained mental harassment by her husband and in-laws in Karnataka’s Bidar district, triggering serious allegations of domestic abuse and coercion.

Young mother found hanging at home

The deceased has been identified as Anjanabai Patil, who was found hanging at her residence on February 6. She had been married for three years and is survived by her 11-month-old baby girl.

Based on a complaint filed by Anjanabai’s father, the police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against her husband, Shekhar Patil, her mother-in-law, Arunabai, and father-in-law, Chandrakant.

Allegations of sustained mental harassment

According to the complaint, Anjanabai was subjected to continuous mental harassment and frequent quarrels. The dispute reportedly stemmed from Shekhar’s pani-puri business, which kept him out late into the night, usually returning home between 11 pm and midnight. Anjanabai had objected to this and asked him to return earlier.

When the issue was raised with her in-laws, they allegedly told her to “adjust”, stating that the business required long working hours. The complaint further alleged that Anjanabai was frequently taunted, criticised for her cooking, and made to feel inadequate.

Serious claims demand deeper probe

The complaint also contains grave allegations that Anjanabai was indirectly pressured to enter prostitution. Her family stated that she had informed them about the alleged harassment during phone calls. When relatives questioned the mother-in-law over the phone, it reportedly led to further disputes.

Relatives have raised suspicion over the circumstances of the death, claiming it may not be a case of suicide and demanding a thorough investigation.

Case registered, investigation underway

Police from Basavakalyan Town Police visited the scene, collected evidence, and initiated a detailed probe to determine whether the death was a suicide driven by harassment, murder, or any other form of coercion.

A case has been registered under Sections 85, 108 read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and further investigation is underway.