Just before her death, the woma allegedly sent her mobile phone password to her younger sister.

Bengaluru cop's wife, 26, found dead, family alleges dowry harassment

A 26-year-old woman in Karnataka allegedly died by suicide after sustained harassment by her husband and in-laws, according to her family. The case has brought focus back on alleged dowry-linked abuse as police investigate the circumstances of her death.

by · India Today

In Short

  • The couple got married in Mysuru in 2023
  • Her relatives accused his parents of continuous cruelty after the marriage
  • After childbirth, she stayed at her parents' home for nearly six months

A 26-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide in Karnataka following alleged mental and physical harassment by her husband and in-laws. The victim, identified as Lakshmi Priya, had married Rajesh Aradhya in 2023 in Mysuru.

According to the complaint filed by her family, Rajesh Aradhya is a police constable currently posted at the HAL Police Station in Bengaluru’s Marathahalli. The family alleged that soon after the marriage, Lakshmi Priya was subjected to continuous harassment and cruelty by her husband and his parents, Palaksharadhya and Bhagyamma.

Police said Lakshmi Priya later became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl. Following the delivery, she reportedly stayed at her parents' home for nearly six months.

Just before her death, Lakshmi Priya allegedly sent her mobile phone password to her younger sister Jayashree through WhatsApp on May 22 at around 2:31 pm. Soon after receiving the message, family members repeatedly tried contacting her over the phone but did not receive any response.

Later, when the family contacted Rajesh Aradhya, he allegedly informed them that Lakshmi Priya had died.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Saidulu Advaith said the complaint alleged sustained mental harassment and cruelty linked to dowry-related issues.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 80(2), 85 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Officials said the investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Lakshmi Priya’s death and examine the allegations made by her family.

The incident has once again drawn attention to cases of alleged domestic harassment and dowry-related abuse despite existing legal safeguards. Police said statements of family members and other witnesses are being recorded as part of the probe.

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