Newly-wed Odisha woman dies mysteriously 12-days after marriage; family alleges murder

Bhubaneswar: A newly-married woman was allegedly killed by her in-laws over dowry in Mangalpur area of Jajpur district in Odisha yesterday.

The police have arrested victim Madhusmita Dash’s husband Biswajit Panda (30) after registering a case in this regard.

As per the complaint, Madhusmita, daughter of Paresh Chandra Dash of Barikul Thakurbadi village under Alakunda police limits, had tied the knot with Biswajit, son of Bhimsen Panda of Khajurimala village under Mangalapur police limits, on May 28.

“Madhusmita’s in-laws called me over phone today morning and informed that she had hanged herself to death. I could not believe that she had died by suicide. I strongly suspect that my daughter had been killed by her husband and in-laws over dowry,” said victim’s father in his complaint before the police.

“The groom’s side had not asked for any dowry during the wedding. But, we had gifted the newly-weds as per our capacity,” he added.

The police have seized the body and sent it to Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital for postmortem.

“We have registered a case in this regard and launched a probe. A scientific team has visited the spot,” said Mangalapur police Inspector In-Charge Pabitra Maharana.