Odisha woman dies over alleged dowry torture; family demands justice

After battling for her life for two days in the hospital, a young married woman succumbed to her injuries, with her family alleging that she was murdered over dowry demands. Accusing her in-laws of torture and murder, the woman’s relatives placed her body at the gates of Ghasipura police station in Anandapur subdivision, demanding justice.

The incident took place at Jhadukundi village under the jurisdiction of the Ghasipura police station. The deceased has been identified as Rashmita, who hailed from Bhadrak.

Marriage Turned Bitter After Dowry Demands

In 2020, Rashmita of Malatira village under Banta police station in Bhadrak district was married to Shivananda of Jhadukundi village. In the beginning, everything was going well. But after a few months, the husband and in-laws started demanding more dowry and were torturing her. Over this, a dispute had emerged between the two families.

Critical Condition Led to Hospital Transfer

On June 3, Rashmita was first admitted in critical condition to Anandapur hospital and later shited to Cuttack SCB Medical College & Hospital. After getting the news, her paternal family reached the medical and tension flared there. And now, after 2 days, Rashmita has died.

Forced to Consume Poison, Claims Father

The deceased’s father, Rabindra Panda, alleged, “After one month of marriage, they started torturing her over dowry and kept on demanding more. Her in-laws, husband, including her sister-in-law and her husband, started abusing her. Along with that, they forced her to consume poison; they have murdered her.”

Investigation Underway

In this connection, after a complaint at the Ghasipura police station, police are investigating the incident. But no reaction has been received from either the police or Rashmita’s in-laws regarding this.