In a shocking incident of domestic violence, a 35-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her husband and sister-in-law in Maharashtra's Palghar district following a dispute over dowry. The police arrested the two accused on Sunday after medical evidence exposed their false claim of an accidental death.
Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly
The tragic event unfolded in the MB Estate area of Virar West. The victim, identified as Kalpana Soni, had been living with her husband, Mahesh Soni, and her in-laws since their marriage in 2015. According to senior inspector Prakash Kawale of Bolinj police station, Kalpana was frequently subjected to physical and mental harassment by her in-laws, leading to constant arguments.
The situation reached a breaking point on Saturday. During a heated argument, Kalpana demanded the return of her dowry and expressed her desire to leave the marital home. Enraged by her demand, her husband Mahesh and his sister, Deepali Soni, allegedly attacked her with a sharp weapon, targeting her head.
False Claim Unravels, Arrests Made
Neighbours, alerted by the commotion, rushed a critically injured Kalpana to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, doctors declared her dead upon arrival. The accused initially tried to mislead authorities by claiming that Kalpana had died after slipping and falling in the washroom.
However, a post-mortem examination told a different story. Doctors confirmed that her death was caused by severe injuries consistent with a brutal assault, not an accident. This finding prompted immediate police action.
Based on a formal complaint lodged by Kalpana's maternal uncle, the Bolinj police registered a case of murder against Mahesh and Deepali Soni. Both were swiftly arrested. A local court has remanded the two accused to police custody for seven days to facilitate further investigation into the crime.
Family Tragedy and Ongoing Probe
The couple's seven-year-old daughter was reportedly not present at home when the horrific incident occurred, sparing her the trauma of witnessing the violence. The police have assured that the investigation is ongoing to uncover all details surrounding the persistent dowry harassment and the circumstances that led to the fatal attack.
This case has once again highlighted the grim reality of dowry-related crimes and domestic violence in the region. The Palghar police's prompt action in apprehending the suspects based on medical evidence underscores the importance of thorough investigation in such sensitive matters.
