LUCKNOW: A fresh case of alleged dowry-related death has emerged from Uttar Pradesh's capital, days after the suspected dowry death of Noida-based model-turned-actor Twisha Sharma in Bhopal sparked widespread outrage. In Lucknow's Thakurganj area, a 28-year-old newlywed woman was found hanging under mysterious circumstances at her in-laws' residence.
Victim and Family Background
The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh, who was married to Shivam Singh on November 22, 2025. She was living with her husband and his family in Kashi Vihar Colony, under the jurisdiction of Thakurganj Police. Shivam is reportedly employed at a private pathology laboratory. Shweta's parental home is located in the Vishwanagar-Malhai Tola locality of Thakurganj.
Allegations of Dowry Harassment
According to Shweta's family, disputes began soon after the wedding. They allege that the in-laws continuously pressured Shweta to bring a four-wheeler and other expensive items as dowry. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, stated, "They started demanding a car shortly after the wedding. She was repeatedly harassed over dowry and was never happy there." The family claims that Shweta was subjected to constant mental and physical harassment.
Sequence of Events
Shweta's brother, Ashutosh Singh, said the family received a call from the in-laws around 11 am, informing them that Shweta had allegedly died by suicide. By the time the family arrived at the house, the body had already been taken down from the noose and shifted to the Trauma Centre of King George's Medical University. Family members allege that the body was removed before their arrival in an attempt to tamper with evidence.
Adding to the suspicion, Shweta's sister Jyoti Singh claimed she had spoken to her over the phone on Sunday morning, and Shweta did not sound distressed or emotionally disturbed during the conversation. Family members further noted that Shweta had visited her ailing mother, Savita Singh, at a private hospital on Saturday night before returning to her in-laws' residence.
Police Investigation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone) Kamlesh Dixit said police have detained the woman's husband and father-in-law for questioning. "The woman's family has alleged dowry harassment and demand for a four-wheeler. The husband and father-in-law have been detained and are being questioned. The post-mortem examination is being conducted, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings," Dixit said.
Police officials added that statements of family members, neighbours, and relatives are being recorded. All allegations, including dowry death and abetment to suicide, are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Context and Previous Incident
This case comes just days after the alleged dowry death of Twisha Sharma, a Noida-based model-turned-actor, at her in-laws' home in Bhopal. That incident had sparked widespread protests and calls for stricter action against dowry-related crimes. The similarity in circumstances has raised concerns about the persistence of dowry harassment despite legal provisions.
The investigation in Lucknow is ongoing, and authorities have assured that appropriate legal action will be taken based on evidence.
