A tragic incident in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district has sparked allegations of dowry-related murder, with police launching a detailed investigation. A 21-year-old married woman was found dead at her in-laws' residence in Nand village under the Barmer Gramin police station area on Tuesday night.
Family Levels Serious Allegations of Dowry Harassment
The deceased, identified as Manju, was married to Genaram, a resident of Nand village, approximately two-and-a-half years ago. The couple has a 1.5-year-old son. According to her brother, Manju had been subjected to persistent harassment by her husband and in-laws over dowry demands for the past four to five months.
Despite repeated attempts by her natal family to counsel the couple and resolve the issues, the alleged harassment continued unabated. The brother has made a grave accusation, claiming that Manju was killed and her body was then hanged to stage the death as a suicide. He further alleged that the in-laws did not inform Manju's family about the incident; they learned of her death through neighbours.
Police Investigation and Conflicting Narratives
Based on the family's formal complaint, the police have registered a case under relevant sections related to dowry harassment. Women Police Station officer Devichand Dhaka confirmed the registration of the case and stated that a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances leading to the death.
However, a preliminary investigation by the police points towards suicide. The body was handed over to the family on Wednesday after a post-mortem examination. Police sources revealed that the husband, Genaram, is a third-grade teacher posted at a primary school near the village and was appointed to this position about a year ago.
A Grim Reminder of a Persistent Social Evil
This case has once again brought the issue of dowry-related crimes in India into sharp focus. The stark contradiction between the family's allegations of murder and the initial police findings of suicide underscores the complexity often involved in such domestic incidents. The community in Nand village and the wider Jaisalmer district is awaiting the outcome of the police probe, which will be crucial in delivering justice.
The police have assured that the investigation is continuing actively, taking into account all allegations made in the complaint report. The final findings will determine whether this is a case of abetment to suicide, murder disguised as suicide, or an unrelated tragic incident.
