Woman 'killed' for Rs 2 lakh in dowry in Odisha, husband detained

A woman was allegedly murdered for dowry by her husband and in-laws at Itamati village in Nayagarh district. The deceased has been identified as Phina Pradhan, daughter of Panchu Pradhan of Itamati village and wife of Rocky Pradhan of the same village.

According to sources, Phina was married off to Rocky in 2015. At the time of the marriage, her family members met the demands of her in-laws. 

Some years later, her in-laws allegedly mounted pressure on her to bring more dowries and due to this, Phina and Rocky often had fights.

Her family members alleged that she was killed on June 19; and without informing them, her in-laws took her to the cremation ground and performed the last rites in haste with an intention to do away with the proof.

Meanwhile, they have lodged a complaint at Itamati police station. They along with the villagers demanded arrest of those who are involved in the crime. 

Acting on the complaint, police detained Rocky for interrogation. “They had asked her to bring Rs 2 lakh from her family. When she denied it, she was beaten to death. Upon getting information, I reached her house and fainted after seeing her body. When I regained my sense, I found her final rites had already been performed,” alleged Panchu Pradhan, deceased’s father.

“Panchu Pradhan, the complainant, has alleged that his daughter was burnt after murdering her. Acting on the complaint, we registered a case and have launched an investigation. In this connection, we have detained one and soon will apprehend others if their involvement is proved,” informed Snehasish Sahoo, SDPO, Nayagarh.