BENGALURU: A 35-year-old former tech professional, P. Sushma, allegedly died by suicide at her home in Soladevanahalli on Tuesday following reported dowry harassment and ongoing domestic disputes.
Based on a complaint filed by Sushma’s father, T.D. Prabhakaramurthy, a retired assistant sub-inspector of police, the police arrested her husband, Puneet Kumar, an employee of a private company, on charges of dowry death. The couple had been married for five years and have a four-year-old son.
Sushma had earlier worked as a software engineer but had left her job a few years ago. According to her father, the family had given ₹10 lakh in cash along with gold ornaments as dowry at the time of the wedding.
Prabhakaramurthy also alleged in his complaint that Sushma had purchased a car with her own money, yet her husband Puneet and his mother Kalpana continued to demand additional dowry. He further claimed that the family suspects Sushma may have been killed and then hanged.
Police said the household had seen frequent arguments over minor issues in recent months. On Monday, another altercation reportedly took place between Sushma and her mother-in-law, Kalpana, over cooking.
According to Sushma’s family, Kalpana allegedly stopped her from cooking and repeatedly harassed her over various matters.
Investigators said that, distressed by the situation, Sushma allegedly died by hanging. Police have launched an investigation into the case.
