Newly married woman beaten to death over dowry in Puri

Puri: A newly married woman was allegedly beaten to death by her husband under Baliapanda police limits in Puri today.

According to reports, the deceased identified as Sarmistha was admitted to the District Headquarters hospital in a critical condition on Saturday where doctors declared her dead.

Later, Sarmistha's family members lodged a police complaint alleging that she was tortured and beaten to death by husband Laxmikant and his family members. Victim’s family further alleged that her in-laws had been torturing her since marriage demanding more dowry.

"Two days ago she was talking to me over phone when her husband snatched the phone. They were demanding more dowry and torturing her since a long time," Sarmistha's uncle said.

Reportedly, Sarmistha had tied the nuptial knot with Laxmikant on April 25 last year.

Meanwhile, Balipanda police have detained Laxmikant and his family members for interrogation.

"As per the provision, inquiry is being done in the presence of executive magistrate. It is suspected that the woman was beaten to death over some family dispute," Inspector In-Charge of Baliapanda police station, Debasish Mishra said.

On the other hand, comments from Sarmistha's in-laws could not be obtained over the matter. A police investigation is currently underway.