Dowry whiff in woman’s mysterious death in Odisha’s Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal: Mystery shrouded the death of woman who was found hanging in her in-laws’ house at Podapada village within Motanga police limits of Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Saharika Mahakud of Bangurasingha village. While the exact cause of death is yet to be established, family members of the deceased have alleged that she was murdered by her in-laws for dowry. As per the family’s claims, Saharika’s in-laws gave her electric shocks and then hung her body to a fan to make it appear as a suicide.

Sources said Saharika had married Ratikant Bhutia of Podapada village in July 2021. While her family had given cash and other valuables to the groom’s family during the wedding, the latter started asking for more money soon after the marriage. They also reportedly harassed and tortured Saharika to pressurise her for the demand and later planned to kill her when she did not comply, her kin have alleged.

Contacted, police said a case of dowry murder has been registered basing on the family’s complaint. “The body has been seized and sent for autopsy. The cause of death will be ascertained after we get the reports. A scientific team has been engaged and investigation is underway,” SDPO Suryamani Pradhan said.

However, Saharika’s husband and in-laws have refuted the allegations.