Bengaluru: Pregnant techie found dead at home, parents allege dowry harassment

Shilpa had been married to Praveen for about three years. (Image: X)

In yet another alleged dowry harassment-related death, a 27-year-old techie was found hanging at her residence in south Bengaluru's Suddaguntepalya on Wednesday Tuesday night and the police have arrested her husband.

Her parents have filed a police complaint alleging that she died by suicide because she was constantly harassed for dowry, according to a report by NDTV.

The accused, identified as Praveen, married Shilpa B Panchangamatha, 27, in 2022. The couple had a 2-year-old son and at the time of her death, Shilpa was pregnant with their second child, PTI reported.

Both worked as techies; however, only a year after their marriage, Praveen left his software job and opened a pani puri shop, while Shilpa quit her job after delivering her first child.

According to the complaint filed by Shilpa's parents, Praveen's family had initially demanded Rs 15 lakh in cash, 150 grams of gold jewellery and household articles at the time of marriage. Despite fulfilling these demands, Shilpa's in-laws allegedly pressured her for additional money and valuables after the wedding. The family has claimed that repeated taunts and mental harassment over dowry led to Shilpa dying by suicide, according to NDTV.

The complaint further alleged that Praveen and his mother, Shantavva, harassed Shilpa mentally and physically for money, demanding Rs 5 lakh for his business. When the demand was not met, she was allegedly assaulted and sent back to her parents. Sharada, victim's mother, said she eventually raised the money and sent her daughter back, but the harassment continued. Four months ago, a quarrel reportedly broke out during discussions about Shilpa’s baby shower.

On August 26, the family was informed that Shilpa had died by suicide. When they reached her house, they found her lifeless on the bed, covered with a sheet, PTI reported.

The Suddaguntepalya Police registered a case of dowry harassment and unnatural death, and arrested Praveen. Further investigation is underway.