Bengaluru techie dowry death: Family alleges harassment over skin colour, short stature

BENGALURU: The family of a 27-year-old woman software engineer, who was found dead at her residence earlier this week, alleged that she was harassed over her skin colour and short stature.Her husband, Praveen, who had quit his software job to sell panipuri, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly abetting her suicide at their Suddaguntepalya home.According to police, the deceased’s mother, Sharada, filed a complaint alleging dowry harassment.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Shilpa’s uncle said she had been married for three years, had a child, and was pregnant. He added that there had been frequent quarrels between the couple. "We sorted it out. Her maternal uncle had also come. Praveen says she died by suicide by hanging from the ceiling fan but there is no stool beneath. She cannot reach the ceiling fan. He has murdered her. We spent Rs 40 lakh on the marriage and recently he demanded Rs 10 lakh more," he alleged.According to the FIR, Shilpa was allegedly subjected to mental and physical harassment by her husband Praveen and his mother since her marriage.

The complaint stated that they demanded Rs 5 lakh for Praveen’s business, and when Shilpa failed to meet the demand, she was assaulted and sent back to her parents’ home. After returning, Shilpa often phoned her parents, saying: "My husband continues his old habit of taunting me and is still harassing me both physically and mentally," the complaint alleged.About four months ago, a quarrel reportedly broke out during discussions regarding Shilpa’s baby shower.Shilpa had married Praveen on December 5, 2022, and the couple settled in BTM Layout. Praveen, who previously worked with private firm in Whitefield, had quit his job to start a panipuri business. The couple also had a son.On August 26, the family was informed of Shilpa’s death by suicide. When they reached her residence, they found her lying lifeless on the bed, covered with a sheet.(With inputs from agency)