Pregnant Woman Allegedly Strangled by Husband in Kolkata's Sodepur Area
A shocking case of domestic violence has emerged from Kolkata, where a 24-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly murdered by her husband in the Sodepur locality. The victim, identified as Puja Mondal, was six months pregnant at the time of the incident, which has sent waves of horror through the local community.
Body Discovered Wrapped in Plastic Under Bed
Police authorities recovered the body of Puja Mondal on Wednesday evening from her residence in Lenin Nagar near Peyarabagan, under the jurisdiction of Ghola Police Station. The deceased was found concealed beneath a bed, with her body wrapped in plastic in what appears to be an attempt to destroy evidence.
According to the official complaint filed with the police, the victim was allegedly killed after she refused to comply with her husband's monetary demands. The accused, Rishi Harichand, is reported to have strangled his wife using a piece of cloth during a heated argument that erupted on Wednesday morning.
History of Harassment and Financial Demands
Local sources and family members have revealed that Puja Mondal had been married to Rishi Harichand, an employee at a private firm, for approximately two years. Throughout their marriage, she allegedly faced persistent harassment from her husband and in-laws over financial matters.
Despite her advanced pregnancy, the harassment reportedly continued unabated, with demands for money becoming a regular source of conflict within the household. The situation reached a tragic climax when Puja refused to provide money during the Wednesday morning altercation, leading to the alleged fatal assault.
Family Alert Leads to Discovery and Arrests
The discovery of the crime unfolded when Puja's family members grew concerned after being unable to contact her. They visited her in-laws' house on Wednesday afternoon, where they were unable to locate her. This prompted them to immediately alert the police, who conducted a search of the premises.
During their investigation, law enforcement officers found the victim's body concealed under a bed, wrapped in plastic material. Following this grim discovery, police have arrested three individuals in connection with the murder:
- Rishi Harichand (husband of the victim)
- The victim's mother-in-law
- Another family member
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Authorities have registered a murder case and are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Puja Mondal's death. The exact cause of death will be officially confirmed following the completion of a post-mortem examination, which is standard procedure in such cases.
This tragic incident has highlighted serious concerns about domestic violence and the safety of women within marital relationships, particularly when financial pressures become a point of contention. The local community in Sodepur has expressed profound shock at the brutality of the crime, especially given the victim's pregnancy.
Police officials have assured that the investigation will be pursued rigorously to ensure justice for the victim and her unborn child. The case serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for greater awareness and intervention mechanisms to protect vulnerable individuals from domestic abuse.
