Pune: 27-Year-Old Woman Dies By Suicide Over ₹20 Lakh Dowry Demand; Husband, In-Laws Booked

A shocking case has come to light from Pune's Ambegaon, where a 27-year-old married woman ended her life on Friday (August 9) around 10pm after allegedly facing continuous mental and physical harassment from her husband and in-laws over dowry demands to set up a business.

The deceased was identified as Sneha Vishal Zhendge (27), a native of Solapur.

Following her death, Sneha’s father lodged a complaint at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station. An FIR has been registered against her husband Vishal Zhendge, father-in-law Sanjay Zhendge, mother-in-law Vithabai Zhendge, brother-in-law Vinayak Zhendge, sister-in-law Tejashri Thite, Tejashri’s husband Parameshwar Thite and relative Bhausaheb Kolhal.

According to the police, Sneha had been married for just over a year (in May 2024). She was alone when she took the extreme step of hanging herself. Regarding the matter, her father lodged a case at the Bharati Vidyapeeth police station.

As per the complaint, Sneha was consistently subjected to dowry demands. Her in-laws used to argue and fight with her every day. Over time, the harassment escalated when they allegedly demanded ₹20 lakh to help her husband start a business. She was subjected to repeated mental torture and physical abuse.

As per sources, on the day of the incident, she was harassed and asked to tell her brothers to bring money on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Otherwise, she was told there was no need to come.

Rahul Khilare, Senior Police Inspector of Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, "Over the dispute between the duo, earlier a case was filed against them in Solapur. However, in July, due to pressure and fear of spoiling the future, they compromised and withdrew the case. Accused husband Vishal runs a small business at Khed Shivpur, and they were living on rent. Over the dispute between them, she took the extreme step. However, we are investigating the matter, and accordingly, action will be taken."

They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).