A 27-year-old Bengaluru Women Techie died by suicide in Suddaguntepalya, Bengaluru, amid claims of dowry harassment by her in-laws. The woman, named Shilpa Panchangamath, was a engineering graduate who worked at a software company before marrying Praveen in 2022. They had a son and has lived in BTM Layout since their marriage.
Bengaluru Women Techie died over harassment
Praveen had previously been a software expert but left his job in Whitefield to start a panipuri business. Shilpa’s family reported that they spent around ₹35 lakh on the wedding in December 2022, which included giving 150 grams of gold to the groom’s family. Praveen’s family also demanded ₹15 lakh in cash at that time, which was provided, as reported by NDTV.
Dowry harassment by in laws
Despite this, Praveen’s family continued to ask for more money, that led stress to Bengaluru Women Techie. She faced taunts about her skin color, with her mother-in-law, Shantavva, reportedly telling her that she was “dark and not a good match for my son.” Shantavva also suggested Shilpa leave Praveen so they could find him a “better bride.”
Praveen’s family ask for ₹5 lakh from Shilpa’s family for his business. She faced harassment over this sum and was assaulted and sent back to her parents when her family did not comply. Eventually, Shilpa’s family agreed to provide the money and sent her back to her in-laws, according to her mother, Sharada. However, the harassment reportedly continued.
On August 26, Shilpa’s family know that she had died by suicide. When they arrived at her house, they found her dead on the bed, covered in a sheet. The police have arrested Praveen and filed a case under Section 80 (dowry death) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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