Woman tortured for not bringing dowry

Siraha, April 27

A woman was held hostage and tortured severely by her husband and in-laws at home for three days at Dohotiya in Golbazaar Municipality of Siraha for not bringing dowry.

Priyanka Yadav, 22, was held and tortured both physically and mentally by her husband Durga Prasad Yadav, and in-laws Hari Narayan Yadav and Amriti Yadav. She was rescued by her neighbour and taken to Golbazaar-based Bhumija Hospital for treatment on Tuesday.

Priyanka was found unconscious and gagged with a piece of cloth. She has yet to regain consciousness. Several bruises were seen all over her body, said Dr Hari Thakur at the hospital.

Priyanka was married four years ago. She was regularly tortured because her family had not given ‘enough’ dowry, said locals. Priyanka’s father Ram Julum Yadav of Bihar, India, said that he had offered Rs four lakh in cash, 8 tola gold, and a motorbike at the time of wedding.

“The in-laws started torturing her soon after the wedding, demanding more dowry. They wanted Rs 3 lakh, but I could only give Rs 40,000. Five months ago, my daughter came home because they kicked her out. I took her back and talked to them. But they continued torturing her,” Ram said.

Area Police Office Golbazaar Inspector Rajendra Kumar Upadhyay said, “The victim’s kin have filed a complaint against the husband, and so we have opened investigation.”