Bengaluru: A 31-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide after enduring months of physical and mental harassment over dowry by her husband and father-in-law.The deceased, Maimunnisa, was married to Junaid, 28, a resident of Doddamavalli, on Jan 19, 2024. At the time of the wedding, the bride’s family gave 45g of gold jewellery, a branded watch, and a scooter as dowry. Maimunnisa, a part-time teacher at a private school, and Junaid, a designer in a factory, had fallen in love, and convinced their parents to agree to their marriage.Her father, Syed Khalid, in his complaint stated although Junaid initially treated his daughter well, his behaviour changed later. He began taking Maimunnisa’s salary and repeatedly subjected her to physical and mental harassment over dowry.He stated Junaid’s father, Nazir Ahmed, abused her verbally, mentally tortured her, and persistently pressured her to bring additional dowry. Maimunnisa repeatedly informed her family about the harassment she was facing from her husband and father-in-law.Around 2.30am on July 17, Junaid called the complainant and asked him to come to Victoria Hospital. On reaching the hospital, he found his daughter’s body. Junaid informed him that Maimunnisa had allegedly killed herself by hanging herself at their residence.Holding Junaid and Ahmed responsible for driving his daughter to take the extreme step, Syed Khalid filed a complaint at Kalasipalya police station. Police arrested both Junaid and Ahmed, and they were remanded to judicial custody.If you are in need of emotional support, call suicide prevention helplines: Tele-MANAS: 14416 or 1800-891-4416; SAHAI Helpline: 080-25497777.
