- By Surarika Das
- Tue, 19 May 2026 03:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The recent deaths of Twisha Sharma and Deepika Nagar have once again shifted focus to the rising cases of dowry across the country. The cases show several similarities between them: a short time period, harassment, and both the families have accused the in-laws of killing the women. The cases reflect a much more concerning issue affecting Indian society. The numbers show that dowry-related crimes have not lessened over the years.
What Does NCRB Data Show?
The National Crime Records Bureau released its latest data on May 6, which showed that India recorded 5,737 dowry deaths in 2024. This means around 16 women die every day in cases related to dowry harassment and domestic abuse after marriage.
The numbers also expose the minimal changes that had taken place over the years even as repeated legal frameworks have been established.
Delhi has once again topped the list of dowry-related deaths. As per the released data, there is a decline in the reports of 2024 as compared to the cases of 2021. While the 109 cases recorded in 2024 represent a slight decline from the 114 cases in 2023 and the Covid pandemic-era peak of 136 in 2021. The absolute numbers are recorded higher than in any metropolitan city. However, the overall numbers are still recorded high, posing a continuous threat to women in the city.
While the national capital stood first, the second position was secured by its neighbor city, Kanpur, with a tally of 54 cases. Bengaluru recorded 25 deaths. Although the numbers have dropped from 2021, when the cases surged at a concerning level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysts say that the cases are still very high and pose a consistent threat to the women and the institution of marriage as a whole.
The Twisha Sharma Case
A 33-year-old woman, Twisha Sharma, married her lover, Samarth Singh, in December 2025. The woman was found hanging at her husband's residence in Bhopal on May 12.
The investigations revealed that the Noida woman was going through anxiety and depression in her in-laws' house. Messages show that Twisha felt trapped and suffocated in marriage and mentioned she rushed into the relationship. The woman also went through an abortion. Her family has accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and murder.
A special investigation team has been set up to investigate the case thoroughly.
The Deepika Nagar case
Twenty-four-year-old Deepika Nagar allegedly died after falling from the roof of her in-laws’ house just 18 months after marriage.
Her family claimed they had spent nearly Rs 1 crore on the wedding but alleged that demands and harassment continued even after the marriage.
Police have arrested her husband, Hrithik, and father-in-law, Manoj, in connection with the case.