A 27-year-old woman doctor allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Fatehgarh Sahib district on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as Dr. Harpreet Kaur, a medical practitioner at a local hospital. Her father, a retired government employee, has lodged a complaint against her husband and in-laws, accusing them of dowry harassment.
Incident Details
According to police reports, Dr. Kaur was found hanging in her room in the afternoon. She was rushed to the civil hospital where she was declared brought dead. The post-mortem examination has been conducted, and the body has been handed over to the family.
Dowry Allegations
The father stated that his daughter was married two years ago and was subjected to constant harassment for additional dowry. He alleged that her husband, a private employee, and her in-laws would frequently taunt her and demand more money and gifts. Despite her repeated pleas, the family did not intervene, leading to her extreme step.
Legal Action
On the basis of the complaint, the police have registered a case under Section 304-B (dowry death) and 498-A (cruelty by husband or relatives) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The accused have been identified as the husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law. A search is underway to apprehend them.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage among the local medical community. Colleagues described Dr. Kaur as a dedicated professional who was always cheerful. They expressed shock at her death and demanded justice. The Punjab Medical Council has also taken cognizance of the matter and urged for a speedy trial.
This tragic case highlights the persistent issue of dowry-related violence in the region. Authorities have urged women to report such harassment promptly and seek help from helplines or women's cells.
