Patna: An FIR for dowry-related death has been registered against an assistant jail superintendent in Samastipur after his wife, Shweta Kumari, was found hanging at her home in Sherpur village under Vidyapatinagar police station area on Wednesday night. Her in-laws have been absconding after the incident.Her parents accused the husband, Nandu Choudhary, and his family of killing her after they failed to meet their demand for an SUV and Rs10 lakh in cash. They alleged that the spot was staged to appear as suicide.According to police, the officer, posted in Darbhanga, has been untraceable since taking 11 days’ leave. A forensic team has collected evidence, and the family has also expressed concern over the couple’s missing 14-month-old daughter. Shweta was originally from the Agam Kuan area of Patna.Shweta’s elder brother, Shashibhushan Chaudhary, said, “Her marriage took place on May 21, 2023, according to Hindu rituals. Dowry items, including a car and household goods, were given at the time. Despite this, Shweta was continuously harassed for additional dowry.”According to the complaint, the in-laws demanded an SUV and Rs10 lakh and allegedly threatened her over the demand.The brother further claimed that around 20 days ago, Shweta was assaulted at her in-laws’ home, following which their father intervened for a community mediation. The in-laws apologised and assured that such incidents would not be repeated, he alleged.Vidyapatinagar SHO Suraj Kumar said, “The matter appears linked to dowry harassment. Based on the brother’s application, police registered a case of dowry-related death and harassment against the husband and other family members.”Darbhanga Jail superintendent Snehlata said Nandu took 11 days’ leave on Feb 11, stating in the application that his daughter was seriously ill and he needed to leave immediately. “He was posted in Darbhanga in July 2025. Despite being allotted govt accommodation, Nandu lived alone and never brought his wife there. However, he used to share videos and reels with his wife and daughter on social media,” she added.
