Bengaluru techie dies by suicide after fight with mother-in-law while husband was home

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A 35-year-old software professional allegedly died by suicide on Monday after a domestic argument with her mother-in-law at Abbigere in north Bengaluru, police said.

The deceased, identified as Sushma, was working with a private IT firm. She had been married to Puneeth Kumar for five years, and the couple had a four-year-old son. According to the police, Sushma and her mother-in-law, Kalpana, often had disagreements over household matters, The Indian Express reported.

Though they lived in the same house, the two allegedly used separate kitchens due to ongoing differences. Tensions between them had increased in recent weeks, the report said.

A fresh argument allegedly broke out between Sushma and Kalpana on Monday morning. Police said the quarrel began after Kalpana objected to Sushma spending a long-time cooking. The disagreement allegedly escalated.

According to the police, around 10.30 am, Sushma allegedly attempted suicide while her husband and mother-in-law were at home. She was later found unresponsive and was declared dead.

“A preliminary inquiry suggests there were family-related issues, following which she appears to have taken the extreme step. However, we are investigating all possible angles,” a police officer was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

Following the incident, Sushma’s parents filed a complaint alleging dowry harassment by her husband and in-laws. Based on the complaint, police have taken Puneeth Kumar into custody for questioning.

A case has been registered at the Soladevanahalli police station. Officials said they are investigating the exact circumstances that led to her death, including the allegations of harassment made by her family.