4 months into marriage, UP woman dies; family alleges pressure for AC, gold chain

Jhansi,UPDATED: Jun 28, 2026 20:21 IST

A 32-year-old woman died under suspicious circumstances at her matrimonial home in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi, barely four months after her marriage, with her family alleging that she was harassed for dowry and murdered by her in-laws. Police have launched an investigation and are awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the exact cause of death.

The deceased, identified as Sapna Sahu, was a resident of Nai Basti under Kotwali police station limits. She had married Abhishek Sahu, who runs an artificial jewellery shop in Bisati Bazaar, on February 20 this year.

According to Sapna's brother, Satyendra Sahu, the family had given nearly 1.5 kg of silver, 50 grams of gold jewellery and other household items during the wedding. However, he alleged that the groom's family remained dissatisfied and continued to demand additional dowry, including an air conditioner, a gold chain and other items. He claimed the family had recently purchased and given a new cooler to meet some of the demands.

Satyendra said Sapna had returned to her matrimonial home on June 18 after visiting her parental house. He alleged that she was unhappy there and often complained that her husband did not spend time with her. On Saturday night, she reportedly called him and asked to be taken back home, saying she no longer felt comfortable at her in-laws' house.

The family, however, decided to bring her back after a family mourning ceremony at her in-laws' residence. On Sunday morning, Satyendra said he received a call from his brother-in-law informing him that Sapna was "not speaking". When the family reached the house, they found her lying unconscious on a bed. She was rushed to the government medical college, where doctors declared her dead.

The woman's family has submitted a written complaint to the Kotwali police, alleging that Sapna was killed by her in-laws over dowry demands.

Police said the body has been sent for post-mortem examination and that the cause of death will be established after the report is received. Officials added that the investigation is currently being conducted on the basis of the allegations made by the deceased's family, and further legal action will be taken accordingly.

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With inputs from Pramod Kumar Gautam.