Tragic suicide of pregnant woman due to dowry harassment sparks outrage in Bengaluru

Pregnant woman died by suicide due to 'dowry harassment', husband arrested

Bengaluru: On November 20, a 30-year-old pregnant woman allegedly committed suicide, leaving behind a death certificate in which she accused her husband and in-laws of molestation. She came from Doddabelavangala, near Doddaballapur.
Doddabelavangala police arrested her husband Suresh Kumar on multiple charges including dowry death.
Roopa alias Rathnamma GR was a BEd graduate who married Kumar in December 2022 after a work affair.
Despite initial opposition from the family, the marriage took place and Roopa’s family donated 100 grams of gold ornaments and Kumar’s close relatives covered the wedding expenses.
According to the complaint filed by her elder brother Rohit, the molestation started three months after the wedding, along with demands for dowry. Roopa, who was five months pregnant, sent disturbing messages to her brother on the morning of November 20. She texted, “I’m sorry bro, please forgive me,” and then attached a handwritten death note.
Despite Rohit’s attempts to counsel her and contact Kumar, Roopa was found dead in her bedroom. She was taken to hospital, where upon arrival, doctors pronounced her dead.
In her last note, Roopa apologized to her brother for not following his advice regarding marriage. She described her suffering in detail, clearly blamed her in-laws and husband for her situation, and pleaded for justice. The note also included emotional farewells to his parents and grandfather.
A senior police officer confirmed that Kumar was arrested and charged under the Dowry Prohibition Act and sections 85 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) (subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 80 (death on account of dowry). The investigation is ongoing.
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If you are having suicidal thoughts or need emotional support, call the suicide prevention hotline – Tele-Manas: 14416 or 1800-891-4416, SAHAI: 080-25497777.