Woman Dies Allegedly by Suicide in Patna, Family Alleges Dowry Harassment

Patna: A 25-year-old woman was found dead in her home near Ram Janaki temple in Bihta, Patna, on Thursday, with police suspecting suicide. The woman, identified as Divya Bharti, had reportedly been facing dowry-related harassment from her in-laws, according to her family.

Divya’s father, Ashok Sao, alleged that his daughter had been subjected to physical abuse and financial demands by her husband and in-laws. “She called her mother around 3pm on Thursday and said she was being beaten and pressured for money,” he said.

Divya, originally from Biharsharif, had eloped with her husband, Sunny, three years ago. The couple had a court marriage, which was later solemnized with family approval in a Bihta hotel. Her father claimed she had left home with jewellery and cash worth Rs 10 lakh at the time.

Neighbours alerted the family to the incident, following which they travelled from Howrah, West Bengal, and found Divya’s body on the bed. Her husband and father-in-law were missing from the house. Police and a forensic team were called to the scene, and the body was sent for post-mortem examination.

Bihta police station in-charge Rajkumar Pandey confirmed that an investigation is underway. “A case has been registered based on the father’s complaint, and the husband and father-in-law are currently absconding,” he said.

Divya leaves behind a two-year-old daughter.