THANE: A 26-year-old woman from Ambernath allegedly died by suicide just one-and-a-half months after her marriage, with her family accusing her doctor husband and in-laws of dowry harassment, physical abuse, and keeping her under constant watch through CCTV cameras.
Vishakha Tilkar was found hanging at her matrimonial home on Tuesday. Following a complaint by her family, Shivajinagar police registered a case against her husband, Dr Nitin Tilkar, mother-in-law Chhaya Tilkar, and brother-in-law Ninad Tilkar. The three accused were arrested on Wednesday.
Family Alleges Harassment Began Soon After Marriage
According to the complaint, Vishakha married Dr Tilkar on April 30. Her family said the relationship was cordial before marriage but alleged that things changed after she moved into her matrimonial home. They claimed Vishakha was subjected to mental and physical harassment soon after the wedding.
The family alleged that the accused demanded additional gold ornaments and cash from her parents, saying they were unhappy with the gifts given during the marriage.
CCTV Cameras Inside House Allegedly Used to Monitor Her Movements
The family further alleged that Dr Tilkar had installed CCTV cameras inside and outside the house to keep track of Vishakha's movements. They alleged that she was questioned about her daily activities and beaten if she spoke to neighbours.
According to relatives, two days before her death, Vishakha was allegedly assaulted by her husband after she spoke to a woman from the neighbourhood.
Parents Planned to Bring Her Back Home
Relatives said Vishakha had informed her mother about the alleged harassment and expressed distress over her situation. Her parents were planning to bring her back home, but before they could do so, they received news of her death on Tuesday.
Police Register Case of Cruelty, Abetment of Suicide
Ramesh Patil, senior police inspector of Shivajinagar police station, said, "Our preliminary investigation indicates that CCTV cameras had been installed in the house and the accused husband allegedly monitored his wife's movements. Based on the complaint filed by the deceased's family, we registered a case against the husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law for cruelty and abetment of suicide. All three accused have been arrested." Police are investigating the allegations further.
