A tragic incident of alleged domestic violence has shaken the city of Ludhiana, where a pregnant woman lost her life after reportedly being subjected to severe torture by her husband and in-laws. The victim, identified as Manpreet Kaur (22), was a resident of Haibowal and was approximately five months pregnant at the time of her death.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
The horrifying episode unfolded on the night of March 9. According to the complaint filed by the victim's brother, Gurpreet Singh, Manpreet Kaur was subjected to brutal assault by her husband, Lovepreet Singh. The alleged torture continued relentlessly for several hours, from 11 pm until 3 am the following morning.
Following this sustained violence, Manpreet's condition deteriorated critically. She was rushed to a private hospital in Haibowal by her family. Despite medical efforts, she could not be saved. Doctors at the hospital declared her dead, confirming the loss of both the young mother and her unborn child.
Police Action and Case Registration
Acting on the formal complaint lodged by Gurpreet Singh, the Ludhiana police have initiated a rigorous investigation. The Haibowal police station has registered a case under serious sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The primary accused, Lovepreet Singh (the husband), has been charged under Sections 304-B (dowry death) and 302 (murder). Additionally, sections 498-A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC have been invoked. The victim's father, Mohan Singh, has alleged that dowry demands were a persistent source of harassment for his daughter after her marriage.
Family's Allegations and Community Outcry
The grieving family has painted a picture of ongoing torment. They claim that Manpreet Kaur was consistently harassed for additional dowry by her husband and in-laws. The fatal assault on March 9 is described as the culmination of this prolonged abuse.
The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, highlighting the persistent menace of domestic violence and dowry-related crimes in the region. It raises serious questions about the safety of women within marital homes and the mechanisms to prevent such atrocities.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The Ludhiana police are actively pursuing the investigation. While the case has been registered, the authorities are working to gather concrete evidence, record detailed statements, and apprehend the accused. A post-mortem examination has been conducted to determine the exact cause of death, and its report is awaited, which will be crucial for the judicial process.
This heartbreaking case from Punjab's industrial hub serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for societal vigilance and stronger enforcement of laws designed to protect women from violence and exploitation, especially in domestic settings.
