Pregnant Bengaluru Techie Found Hanging at Home; Family Alleges Dowry Harassment

In a shocking incident highlighting the continuing menace of dowry harassment in India, a 27-year-old woman identified as Shilpa, who was reportedly pregnant, was found hanging at her residence in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Shilpa, who previously worked with IT major Infosys, had been married to Praveen for around two-and-a-half years. The couple has a one-and-a-half-year-old child. Police sources confirmed that her husband has been arrested for allegedly abetting suicide.

Family’s Allegations

According to the victim’s family, Shilpa had been facing continuous harassment over dowry demands from her in-laws. They alleged that the constant pressure and humiliation drove her to take the extreme step.

Family members revealed that despite her professional background and responsibilities as a young mother, Shilpa was repeatedly subjected to mental torture and financial demands. They have urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure strict action against all those responsible.

Police Investigation

The Bengaluru Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 304B (dowry death). Officials confirmed that forensic teams were called in to examine the crime scene and further investigation is underway.

Police said that Shilpa’s husband, Praveen, has been taken into custody, and questioning of other family members is ongoing. Authorities are also collecting testimonies from neighbors and relatives to ascertain the nature of harassment she faced.

Rising Concern Over Dowry Deaths

Despite being legally banned since 1961, dowry continues to claim hundreds of lives every year across India. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), thousands of cases of dowry deaths are reported annually, with many more going unreported due to social stigma and family pressure.

Activists have once again called for stricter enforcement of laws and greater societal awareness to curb this social evil. They stressed that even highly educated women from urban backgrounds, like Shilpa, are not spared from the menace of dowry harassment.

A Community in Shock

The tragic death has left Shilpa’s neighborhood and workplace community in deep shock. Colleagues who knew her described her as a dedicated professional and caring mother. Many took to social media to express anger over yet another case of dowry-linked abuse, demanding justice for Shilpa.

Shilpa’s one-and-a-half-year-old child is now left in the care of extended family, as authorities proceed with the investigation.

The Bigger Picture

This incident serves as a grim reminder that dowry harassment is not confined to rural India, but is equally prevalent in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru. Experts stress the need for:

• Stronger community support systems for women.
• Faster trial mechanisms in dowry-related cases.
• Counseling and helplines for women in abusive marriages.

Unless addressed collectively, such tragedies will continue to shatter families and expose deep-rooted gender inequality in Indian society.