Woman ‘beaten to death, body abandoned at hospital’; parents allege dowry harassment

A woman has died in an alleged case of dowry-related harassment in Phulbani area of Kandhamal district, with her family accusing her husband and in-laws of killing her over dowry demands.

The deceased has been identified as Priyambada Pattnaik, a native of Bolangir district. She was married to Arbinda Mohanty of Phulbani in 2020, and the couple had two sons. 

According to her family, Priyambada had been subjected to continuous harassment and torture by her husband and in-laws since her marriage, allegedly over a dowry demand of Rs 50 lakh. They also alleged frequent disputes and physical abuse.

Family members claimed that Priyambada was beaten to death on February 1. They further alleged that her in-laws abandoned her body at a hospital in Berhampur and fled the spot. After completing the cremation, the family lodged a written complaint at Phulbani Sadar Police Station on February 3.

Confirming the development, Phulbani SDPO Subhrajit Biswal said a case has been registered under charges of abetment of suicide and Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He said the main accused and other co-accused are currently absconding and are being searched for. Statements of witnesses have been recorded as part of the investigation.

The SDPO added that the woman had informed a family member from her in-laws’ side that she had consumed some medicines, and police are examining all aspects of the case.

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Meanwhile, Priyambada’s mother, Kabita Pattnaik, alleged that her daughter was harassed for dowry over a prolonged period. She claimed that despite hopes of improvement, the situation worsened, ultimately leading to her death.

Police said the investigation is ongoing to ascertain whether the case involves murder or suicide.