In a tragic incident in Ujjain, a woman's husband and her parents-in-law were arrested for allegedly forcing her to consume a poisonous substance, which resulted in her death during treatment, police confirmed on Wednesday.
Incident Details
The case came to light when 25-year-old Priya Bairagi, a resident of Barthun village under Bhatpachlana police station limits, was admitted to a hospital in critical condition on June 2 after consuming poison. She was initially treated in Nagda but later shifted to Ujjain for advanced medical care. Despite efforts, she succumbed to the poison on June 5.
Dying Declaration and Arrests
Before her death, a tehsildar recorded Priya's dying declaration, in which she explicitly alleged that her husband Balkadas Bairagi and his parents, Rajubai and Prahladdas, had forcibly made her consume celphos tablets. Based on this statement, Bhatpachlana police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and arrested all three accused. They were produced before a judicial magistrate first class court in Badnagar and subsequently sent to judicial custody.
History of Harassment
According to police investigations, Priya had been facing harassment from her in-laws for several years. A previous case of assault had been registered against her husband following a complaint filed by her. The couple had separated and even initiated divorce proceedings, but later resumed living together after intervention by family members.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators have gathered statements from Priya's family members and local residents, which also point to continued harassment. The police are probing the case further to uncover any additional evidence or accomplices.
This incident highlights the persistent issue of domestic violence and dowry-related harassment in the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women.
