A 30-year-old government employee with the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) in Hyderabad ended her life on Saturday, the day of her first wedding anniversary, at her Begumpet apartment. The deceased, identified as C Bhagyalakshmi, allegedly killed herself after being harassed by her husband and in-laws for dowry.
According to Times of India, Bhagyalakshmi got married a year ago, after she fell in love with S Shashidhar. She was financially supporting the household for a long time after her marriage since her husband was unemployed. Further, Shashidhar’s parents had opposed the marriage.
Soon after the marriage, Shashidhar reportedly started abusing her after getting drunk. He had also allegedly blackmailed her, threatening to leak a few intimate videos and photographs of her. Later, Shashidhar’s family allegedly started demanding dowry.
Unable to tolerate the harassment, Bhagyalakshmi asked Shashidhar to live with her at the AMD quarters separately, however, he refused and started blackmailing her.
Seven months after the marriage, Bhagyalakshmi booked a case at the Begumpet Women's Police Station alleging harassment. However, they were sent for counselling, as per standard operating procedure.
“Only after three sessions a case is registered. Two sessions were over,” Begumpet woman inspector Janakamma told Deccan Chronicle.
On Saturday, along with her husband, Bhagyalakshmi went to her in-laws’ house at Ghansi Bazar to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
After a tiff with her in-laws, she came back to her apartment in the afternoon. When Bhagyalakshmi did not answer the calls, her parents reportedly came to check on her in the evening and broke the door open, only to find her hanging from the ceiling fan.
In her suicide note, she has reportedly blamed her in-laws and husband. “He should not be allowed to touch my body or belongings. They bribed the police not to take action. Sorry mommy, daddy, Shiva,” the note was quoted as stating by DC.
A case has been registered under section 304-B (dowry death) of IPC, against Shashidhar and his family.