Man held after wife found dead; dowry death case registered

The Delhi police have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the death of his wife.

“Akriti, who married Arastu Sikka on April 24 this year, was found critically injured near an NDMC residential complex in Palika Kunj on Saturday [July 5, 2026] evening. She was rushed to AIIMS, where doctors declared her dead on arrival,” the police said.

Based on the statement of Akriti’s mother, the police registered a case under BNS Sections 80 (dowry death) and 85 (inflicting cruelty upon a married woman by her husband or his relatives against Mr. Sikka and his sister, Agastika. A search is on for Ms. Agastika, the officer added.

A magisterial inquiry has been initiated into Akriti’s death, and her mother’s statement has also been recorded before a Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

“We are examining all angles, and further investigation is under way,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal. He added that Akriti had been living with her husband and his family in Pushp Vihar. “Arastu had been unemployed for some time. His father is a Section Officer in the Labour Department, and the family lives in government quarters in the south Delhi neighbourhood,” the DCP added. Quoting the victim’s mother, the officer said Akriti had been subjected to harassment by her husband.

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