In Greater Noida, a woman's life was tragically cut short, allegedly at the hands of her in-laws, due to their unfulfilled dowry demands. The police report suggests that the in-laws had asked for a Toyota Fortuner and cash amounting to ₹ 21,00,000.

Following the incident, the local authorities apprehended the woman's husband, known as Vikas Bhati or Bittu, and his father, Sompal Bhati. They were arrested on March 31 from a service road in the Ecotech 3 area.

The woman, named Karishma, became Vikas's wife in December 2022. They lived together in Kheda Chauganpur, located in Ecotech 3. Deepak, Karishma's brother, lodged a police complaint stating that her in-laws were pressuring her to bring more dowry, including a Toyota Fortuner.

Deepak's complaint further stated that on March 29, Karishma contacted her family, revealing that she had been assaulted by Vikas, his parents, and siblings. Upon arriving at her residence, her family discovered her lifeless body.

Deepak disclosed that during the wedding, Karishma's family had given the groom's family gold worth ₹ 11 lakh and an SUV. Despite this, Vikas's family continued to torment Karishma physically and emotionally over the years, demanding more dowry.

dowry demand
Image : Free Press Journal

The situation deteriorated after Karishma gave birth to a daughter. Despite numerous attempts to mediate their issues through village panchayat sessions, the abuse persisted. Even after an additional ₹ 10 lakh was given by Karishma's family, the harassment did not cease, according to Deepak.

A police spokesperson stated, “On March 29, we were informed that the accused had demanded more dowry from the complainant’s sister. When their demands were not met, Karishma was subjected to torture and ultimately lost her life.”

An FIR has been registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act, along with IPC sections 498A (cruelty inflicted on a married woman), 304B (dowry death), and 323 (voluntarily causing harm) against Vikas and other suspects.

The police have presented the accused in court, which has ordered their judicial custody. The authorities are making efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the case.

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