Dowry has been illegal in India for over six decades, yet 5,737 dowry deaths were recorded in 2024, according to NCRB.
Now, a Dehradun case has brought the issue back into focus. 25-year-old government teacher Srishti Kandhari died by suicide after recording a video alleging harassment by her husband and in-laws.
What did she say in the video? What led to the police case? Here’s what has happened so far.
A Marriage That Allegedly Turned Into Harassment
Srishti Kandhari was a government teacher who lived in the Doiwala area near Dehradun.
She married Saurabh Raturi, who also works for a government department, in November last year.
According to her mother's police complaint, Srishti was allegedly harassed mentally and physically for dowry after her marriage.
Her mother alleged that her husband and in-laws repeatedly called her “unlucky” and “inauspicious”.
The family claimed that the alleged harassment continued for months after the marriage.
What Did Srishti Say In Her Final Video?
Before her death, Srishti recorded a 90-second video describing the alleged harassment she said she faced after her marriage.
In the video, she first addressed her mother and said:
“Sorry mummy, I am leaving like this.”
While crying, she alleged that she had been enduring the situation for six months and said she could not tolerate it anymore.
She said:
“Everything has become so strange. I have been enduring this for six months... Now I can't endure it anymore. Their mindset can never change. They keep blaming me for things that happened after our marriage.”
The video, in which she made allegations against her husband and in-laws, is now part of the evidence being examined by police.
What Happened After Srishti's Death?
Police said Srishti died by suicide in Dehradun.
After her death, her mother filed a police complaint alleging harassment by her in-laws.
A police team and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team inspected the scene. A post-mortem examination was also conducted.
Doiwala Circle Officer Vandana Verma said police received information about the death and registered a case based on the allegations made by Srishti's mother.
Who Has Been Named In The FIR?
The FIR names Srishti's husband Saurabh Raturi, her mother-in-law Parvina, and her sister-in-law Charu.
Her mother's complaint alleged that Srishti faced harassment linked to dowry demands.
Police are now investigating the allegations and examining the evidence collected in the case.
What Legal Action Has Police Taken?
Police have registered a case under sections related to dowry death.
Officials said the investigation includes examining the circumstances of Srishti's death, the allegations made by her family and the evidence available, including her final video.
The post-mortem report and further investigation will determine the next course of action.
Why This Dehradun Case Matters
The case has once again highlighted concerns around dowry-related harassment in India.
The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 makes demanding, giving or taking dowry a punishable offence. Indian law also has provisions to deal with dowry deaths and cruelty against married women.
As the investigation continues, police will determine the facts of the case based on the evidence collected.
TL;DR | News At Glance
What happened?
Srishti Kandhari, a 25-year-old government teacher from Dehradun, died by suicide after recording a video alleging harassment by her husband and in-laws.
Who was Srishti Kandhari?
She was a government teacher living in the Doiwala area near Dehradun.
What did she allege?
In her final video, she alleged that she faced harassment for months and was repeatedly called “manhoos” (cursed).
What did her family say?
Her mother alleged that Srishti faced mental and physical harassment linked to dowry after her marriage.
What action has the police taken?
Police registered an FIR against her husband Saurabh Raturi, mother-in-law Parvina and sister-in-law Charu. The case is being investigated.
