Husband, Parents-in-Law Arrested for Dowry Death of Newly-Married Woman in Raigarh
Raipur: Raigarh Police arrested three persons on Friday in connection with the death of a 34-year-old newly-married woman, who allegedly died by suicide following dowry harassment. The arrests were made during an investigation under the state’s ‘Abhiyan Samvedna’ initiative, aimed at ensuring the safety and justice of women.
The accused have been identified as the victim’s husband, Rakesh Patel, father-in-law Bandhuram Patel, and mother-in-law Shanti Bai Patel, all residents of Jaimuda village under Bhupdeopur police station limits. Police registered a case under Sections 80 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The three accused were produced before a court, which sent them to judicial remand on November 7, 2026.
According to police, the matter came to light during an investigation into an unnatural death case registered at Bhupdeopur police station following the death of Nita Patel. The victim had married Rakesh Patel three years ago according to social customs.
Statements recorded from the victim’s family revealed that dowry harassment began a year after the marriage. Her husband and in-laws allegedly taunted and physically assaulted her for bringing insufficient dowry and failing to bring a motorcycle.
Around four to five months before the incident, the accused allegedly demanded ₹2 lakh in cash to purchase a car. The demand was followed by further physical and mental harassment.
Distressed by the alleged continuous torture, Nita Patel died by hanging at her residence on October 19, 2026. Executive magistrates conducted the inquest proceedings, while the subsequent post-mortem report confirmed death by hanging.
Bhupdeopur police station SHO Inspector Roshan Kaushik registered the FIR on November 4, 2026, based on evidence collected during the preliminary inquiry. Further investigation was conducted under the supervision of Kharsia SDOP Satish Bhargava.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sashi Mohan Singh said that Raigarh Police treat crimes against women and dowry harassment with utmost seriousness. He added that strict legal action would continue against those who compromise the safety and dignity of women.
