Dowry death in Bijnor has claimed another life, with a 22-year-old newlywed woman allegedly killed by her husband less than a month after their marriage. The tragic incident unfolded in Hussainpur village, Dhampur, Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, late Monday night. The young woman, identified as Tarannum, was reportedly murdered by her husband, Shoeb Ahmad, after her family was unable to meet his demand for Rs 5,000.
A Shocking Case of Dowry Death in Bijnor
According to the police, the accused, Shoeb Ahmad, 25, had been exerting relentless pressure on his wife to bring money from her maternal family. On Monday evening, he visited his in-laws to demand Rs 5,000, but they expressed their inability to provide the amount. Furious over their refusal, Shoeb returned home intoxicated and, in a fit of rage, allegedly killed Tarannum.
Neighbors informed Tarannum’s family of the tragic incident, prompting them to alert the authorities. “The body was sent to the district hospital for autopsy, and the woman’s family filed a complaint against five people, including Shoeb and his father, Anees Ahmad,” stated Additional SP Dharam Singh Marchal. Police have detained Shoeb and Anees Ahmad while the investigation continues.
Legal Action and Growing Concern Over Dowry Deaths
The victim’s family has accused five individuals, including Shoeb and his father, of being complicit in the crime. This horrific case has reignited discussions around dowry-related violence in India, which remains a significant social issue despite legal prohibitions.
Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, dowry demands are illegal, yet cases of dowry harassment and related deaths continue to rise. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more than 6,000 dowry deaths are reported annually, with Uttar Pradesh consistently leading in such cases.
A Deeply Rooted Social Evil
The dowry system, a cultural relic that places immense financial and emotional strain on brides’ families, often results in abuse, harassment, and even death. Despite public awareness campaigns and legal frameworks, dowry-related violence persists, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where traditional norms are deeply entrenched.
Parallel Case Highlights Domestic Violence in Karnataka
This tragedy in Bijnor coincides with another chilling case of domestic violence reported in Belagavi district, Karnataka. A woman named Savithri confessed to killing her abusive husband, Srimantha Itnali, on December 8. Police revealed that the victim, an alcoholic, frequently demanded money and abused his wife. An argument over selling her land to buy a motorbike escalated into violence, culminating in the murder.
Savithri initially denied her involvement but later confessed to strangling her husband and smashing his face with a boulder. She attempted to dispose of the body discreetly but was apprehended following a detailed investigation.
The Way Forward
The dowry death in Bijnor and the case of domestic violence in Karnataka reflect the urgent need for societal change. While laws against dowry and domestic violence exist, stricter enforcement, widespread awareness, and education are essential to eradicate these deep-rooted issues.
The growing instances of violence against women over financial demands call for collective action to challenge cultural norms and ensure justice for victims like Tarannum and others who have suffered due to such regressive practices.