Tragic Suicide of Pune Techie Sparks Allegations of Forced Abortion and Dowry Harassment
In a deeply disturbing case from Maharashtra, a 30-year-old computer engineer died by suicide at her home in Uruli Kanchan, with her family alleging horrific harassment including forced sex determination and abortion by her in-laws. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about women's safety and dowry-related crimes.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Dipti Rohan Chaudhari, a software professional residing in the Kad vasti area of Sortapwadi in Uruli Kanchan, was found dead at her residence around 7:30 PM on January 24, 2026. Preliminary investigations suggest she died by suicide, but the circumstances surrounding her death point to a much darker narrative of systematic abuse and pressure.
According to police records, Dipti had married Rohan Karbhari Chaudhari in 2019, and the couple had a three-year-old daughter. What appeared to be a normal family life from the outside was allegedly a living nightmare for the young professional, as detailed in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by her grieving mother.
Family's Harrowing Allegations
Hemlata Balasaheb Magar, Dipti's 50-year-old mother from Magarpatta City, has made shocking allegations in her police complaint. She claims that her daughter faced continuous harassment from her husband and in-laws, including both verbal and physical abuse. The situation reportedly deteriorated further when Dipti gave birth to a girl child, with the family allegedly subjecting her to mental torture for not producing a male heir.
The most disturbing allegation involves Dipti's recent pregnancy. Her family claims that she was forced to undergo an illegal sex determination test, and when the results indicated a female fetus, she was compelled to undergo an abortion against her will. This revelation adds a particularly grave dimension to an already tragic case, involving violations of both medical ethics and women's reproductive rights.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
The Pune Rural Police have taken swift action in response to the serious allegations. Police Superintendent Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed that four individuals have been booked in connection with the case:
- Rohan Karbhari Chaudhari (husband, 31 years old)
- Rohit Chaudhari (brother-in-law)
- Sunita Chaudhari (mother-in-law, 58 years old, Sarpanch of Sortapwadi)
- Karbhari Chaudhari (father-in-law)
Of these, Rohan and Sunita have been arrested and remanded to police custody until January 31. A search operation is currently underway to apprehend the remaining two accused who are currently absconding.
Legal Framework and Charges
The police have invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita against the accused, reflecting the gravity of the alleged crimes:
- Section 80: Dowry death
- Section 108: Abetment of suicide
- Section 85: Husband or relative subjecting woman to cruelty
- Section 89: Causing miscarriage without woman's consent
- Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
- Section 351(3): Criminal intimidation (aggravated form)
- Section 115(2): Voluntarily causing grievous hurt
When questioned about the specific allegations regarding forced sex determination and abortion, Superintendent Gill stated, "That aspect is also being thoroughly investigated," indicating that these serious claims are receiving dedicated attention from the investigating team.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This case has highlighted several critical issues facing contemporary Indian society:
- The persistence of dowry-related harassment despite decades of legal prohibition
- The illegal practice of sex determination tests and female feticide
- The vulnerability of educated, professional women to domestic abuse
- The challenges in preventing such tragedies despite existing legal frameworks
The fact that one of the accused, Sunita Chaudhari, serves as a Sarpanch (village head) adds another layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about the abuse of power and position.
As the investigation continues, the Pune Rural Police are examining all aspects of the case, including the alleged forced abortion and the broader pattern of harassment that may have driven the young professional to take her own life. The community awaits justice for Dipti Chaudhari, hoping this tragic case will lead to greater awareness and stronger preventive measures against such crimes.
