The 33-year-old Noida woman, who was found dead in Bhopal in an alleged dowry harassment case, was suffering from schizophrenia, her mother-in-law has alleged.
The woman’s mother-in-law, a retired judge, claimed on Monday that she… She underwent an abortion before her death and also admitted to taking marijuana during her pregnancy to reverse this.
The deceased married a Bhopal-based lawyer in December 2025. Her family claimed dowry harassment, psychological torture and assault, while her in-laws denied any wrongdoing and raised counter-allegations about her mental health.
The victim wanted the abortion reversed
“When I started the first cycle of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), she said she wanted to reverse it, which I knew was not possible,” her mother-in-law said during a press conference. “She didn’t let us feel that fleeting moment of joy. It’s really heartbreaking; young girls often take this drastic step.”
She claimed that her deceased daughter-in-law was undergoing psychological treatment and was prescribed medication Symptoms associated with schizophrenia and admitted to using marijuana during pregnancy.
“After coming here, she ran out of drugs. She admitted to consuming large amounts of marijuana when she wanted to reverse her pregnancy. A counseling session was held during that time…and she was on schizophrenia medication,” her mother-in-law claimed.
“On May 7, she must have taken the pill, completed the entire MTP procedure, and we had to support her,” she said. She also claimed that the woman was experiencing tremors and withdrawal-like symptoms.
“Mujhe butch raha hai woh kiska bacha tha”
The family of the deceased accused her in-laws of dowry-related harassment and psychological torture. The parents claimed that their daughter was subjected to severe emotional distress after marriage, and they confided to her mother that she felt “trapped” in the marital home and wanted to return.
In the WhatsApp messages, shown in the screenshots accessed by HT, she wrote: “Mai to Buhat Buri Tara Vaas Gaye Ho (I’m so trapped.)” She says in another message: “Ve sabko ye lajta hai ki mai drug karte ho, isili mera mood kharab reta hai (They all think I’m on drugs, that’s why I’m always in a bad mood),” he adds.Mujhe to bohat zyada ghutan ho rahi hai maa (I feel so suffocated, mom).”
She also allegedly told her mother that her husband had accused her of infidelity after she sought to terminate her pregnancy. “That’s all I have to say about this (He asks me who I gave birth to).
The family has now alleged discrepancies in the investigation and autopsy procedures and has demanded an independent investigation Post mortem at AIIMS Delhi. They also alleged lapses in the handling and preservation of forensic evidence during the initial investigation.
Legal developments
The court granted Anticipatory bail for the husband’s protectors, while rejecting the bail request from the main accused, the husband, who is still on the run. The authorities also announced a reward for anyone who provides information leading to his arrest.
The special court, led by senior police officials, is investigating the case under the provisions of murder and abetment to dowry. While the autopsy report indicated death by suicide, the family claimed there were multiple injury marks indicating possible foul play.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI and HT’s Shruti Kakkar)
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can contact Aasra (022-2754-6669), Kiran Mental Health Helpline (1800-599-0019), Sneha Foundation (+91-44-2464-0050), Sanjivini (011-2431-1918), Roshni Foundation (040-6620-2000 /) 040-6620-2001), One Life (78930 78930), or SEVA (094417 78290) for mental health and emotional support.
