• Source:JND
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A 27-year-old software professional was found dead by suicide at her home in Bengaluru’s Suddaguntepalya on Tuesday night, and her family has alleged that she took the extreme step after facing continuous dowry-related harassment from her in-laws. The deceased, Shilpa, had been married for two and a half years and leaves behind a one-and-a-half-year-old child.

Shilpa, who held a Bachelor of Engineering degree, previously worked at Infosys. Her husband, Praveen, had also worked in the tech industry with Oracle before quitting his job a year into their marriage to start a food business.

According to the complaint filed by Shilpa's parents, dowry demands were made by Praveen’s family before the wedding. The demands allegedly included Rs 15 lakh in cash, 150 grams of gold jewellery, and several household items. Though these were reportedly fulfilled, the harassment didn’t stop there. The family claims that Shilpa continued to face demands for more money and valuables even after marriage as per NDTV reported.

The complaint also alleges that Shilpa was subjected to repeated insults over her appearance. “You are dark and not a good match for my son. Leave him, we will find him a better bride,” her mother-in-law allegedly told her, as per the police complaint.

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Further, the family claims that six months ago, Praveen’s family asked for an additional Rs 5 lakh to support his business. Despite the emotional and financial strain, Shilpa’s parents say they paid the amount in hopes of easing the pressure on their daughter.

Police at Suddaguntepalya have registered a case under charges of dowry harassment and unnatural death. Praveen has been taken in for questioning, and an officer of assistant commissioner rank is currently leading the investigation. Shilpa’s body was handed over to her family following the completion of the post-mortem.

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“All the allegations have been made by the victim's family. We have registered a case of dowry death as per protocol. The husband is being questioned and we are trying to ascertain the veracity of the allegations,” a police official said.