Gurgaon: A 25-year-old woman died allegedly by suicide at her matrimonial home in Pataudi on Tuesday. Police have registered a dowry death case against her husband and four others based on a complaint filed by her father.The deceased, identified as Somvati alias Sonam, was found dead at her in-laws’ residence in Jaidev Colony Part 2, Pataudi Jatoli Mandi.In his complaint, her father Dhor Singh, a resident of Palwal district, said that Sonam was married to Sahil in 2020 and began facing physical abuse within a year of the marriage. He further alleged that Sahil was having an extramarital affair, which led to repeated disputes and harassment. A complaint regarding the abuse had been filed at Helimandi police post around three years ago, following which a compromise was reached and Sonam returned to live with her husband and in-laws — but, according to the family, the harassment soon resumed.Singh told police that his daughter had been staying at her parental home for the past month. She returned to her in-laws’ house alone on Sunday. On Tuesday, he said he received a call from Sonam’s mother-in-law saying she was critical and hospitalised. When he tried calling his daughter’s phone, however, a police officer answered and informed him she had died.Singh alleged he found deep marks on his daughter’s neck and suspected foul play. He has sought action against Sahil and four of his relatives.Pataudi police registered a case under sections 80 (dowry death) and 3(5) (act done by multiple persons) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Police said they initially received information suggesting the woman had died by suicide. A team, including forensic officials, inspected the site before the body was shifted to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination.“The victim died on the first floor while her husband was sleeping downstairs. Her mother-in-law discovered her when she went upstairs and raised the alarm. The husband had already moved the body before we arrived,” a police officer said.Another officer familiar with the matter said there were no visible wounds on the body indicating murder. “Prima facie, it appears she took the extreme step. However, since the family has lodged a complaint alleging dowry harassment, we have registered a case and the investigation is ongoing,” an investigator said.The body was handed over to the victim’s family after the autopsy on Wednesday. The exact cause of death will be determined once the postmortem report is available.Sonam’s father told TOI he believed his daughter was murdered by her in-laws. He said Sonam had not wanted to return after spending a month away from her husband, but did for the sake of their two young sons. “She returned on Sunday and was killed on Tuesday. She has injury marks on her neck. It is a murder and we want justice for her,” he said.
