Newlywed woman dies after fall from third floor in Delhi; family alleges dowry harassment, murder

NEW DELHI: A 28-year-old newlywed woman died after allegedly falling from the third floor of an NDMC residential complex in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony area. Her family has accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and murder.Police in a statement said, “The deceased, identified as Akriti, a resident of Pushp Vihar, was found critically injured after an alleged fall from the B-Block of NDMC Flats at Palika Kunj on Saturday. She was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, where doctors declared her brought dead.”According to police, Akriti got married on April 24 this year and was working as a sales executive at a private company in Chhatarpur.“As the death occurred within seven years of marriage, proceedings have been initiated, and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has been informed to conduct the mandatory inquest proceedings,” the police officer told PTI.All aspects of the incident are being verified and an inquiry is underway.However, the woman’s family has rejected the possibility of suicide, alleging that her husband and in-laws murdered Akriti over dowry-related demands.Her younger brother claimed the case is being projected as a suicide to shield those responsible, and described her as the eldest sibling who was responsible and mentally strong.

The family further alleged that she was subjected to physical assault and harassment by her husband after the marriage.They said the marriage was a love-cum-arranged alliance, solemnised barely two-and-a-half months ago, making the circumstances of her death even more suspicious.Police said statements of the family members and other witnesses are being recorded, and further investigation is underway.(With agency inputs)