A 28-year-old woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony just over two months after her marriage, prompting police to register a dowry death case and arrest her husband.
The victim, identified as Akriti Sutar, was discovered critically injured at a residential complex in Palika Kunj on Saturday evening and was later declared dead at the AIIMS Trauma Centre. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death while awaiting the findings of a post-mortem examination.
Police said all allegations made by the victim’s family are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Family Alleges Dowry Harassment and Abuse
According to a complaint filed by Akriti’s mother, the victim was allegedly subjected to continuous dowry-related harassment, emotional abuse and physical violence following her marriage to Arastu Sikka on April 24.
The couple had reportedly been in a relationship for nearly two years before getting married.
The complaint states that before the wedding, Akriti had informed her future in-laws that she intended to continue working as a sales executive because she wanted to help support her younger brother financially. Her family alleges that while this arrangement was initially accepted, pressure mounted after the marriage for her to leave her job.
According to the complaint, disputes allegedly arose when Akriti attempted to resume work, with family members claiming she was repeatedly asked to quit her employment and focus on household responsibilities.
Allegations of Physical Violence
The victim’s family has alleged that Akriti was subjected to both mental and physical abuse during her marriage.
In the complaint, her mother claimed that Akriti had informed her about multiple incidents of alleged assault, including one in June when she said her husband became angry after she did not answer a phone call because her mobile device was on silent mode.
The complaint further alleges that accusations regarding her personal relationships were made against her and that she was repeatedly pressured to resign from her job and start a family.
These allegations have not yet been proven in court, and investigators are examining all available evidence.
Events Leading Up to Her Death
According to family members, Akriti had resumed work on the day of the incident and had reportedly hosted a gathering with colleagues before becoming unreachable later in the day.
Her mother stated that she last spoke with her daughter on the morning of July 4, when Akriti said she was heading to work.
Family members claim that later that day they received calls from the husband and other relatives asking about her whereabouts. They say they eventually learned about her death after being contacted by police.
The victim’s family has rejected any suggestion that she may have died by suicide, alleging instead that she had repeatedly expressed concerns about her safety in the weeks before her death.
Dowry Demand Allegations
The complaint also contains allegations that the victim’s in-laws demanded a substantial amount of money after the marriage.
Her mother has publicly claimed that despite significant wedding expenses already incurred by the family, additional financial demands were allegedly made.
These allegations form part of the dowry death investigation and are being reviewed by authorities.
Police Investigation Underway
Delhi Police have confirmed that proceedings under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been initiated and that the matter is being supervised by the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
Investigators are examining:
- CCTV footage from the Palika Kunj residential complex
- The victim’s communications and call records
- Statements from family members and witnesses
- Medical and forensic evidence
- Circumstances surrounding the reported fall
Officials are also attempting to determine whether the victim arrived at the location alone or in the company of another person.
Post-Mortem Findings Awaited
Police said a post-mortem examination is expected to play a crucial role in establishing the cause and manner of death.
Preliminary observations reportedly noted injuries on the victim’s left arm and thigh. Investigators are working to determine when and how those injuries were sustained and whether they are connected to the circumstances of her death.
Authorities have emphasized that conclusions will be based on forensic evidence, witness accounts and the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Husband Arrested
Police have arrested the victim’s husband in connection with the case. Further legal proceedings will depend on the outcome of the investigation and the evidence collected by authorities.
At this stage, investigators have not publicly disclosed all details of the evidence gathered so far.
Investigation Continues
The death has drawn significant attention due to the serious allegations raised by the victim’s family and the short duration of the marriage. Authorities say all angles are being examined, including the claims of dowry harassment and domestic abuse.
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains active.
Note: Allegations mentioned in this report are based on statements made by the victim’s family and information provided by police. The investigation is ongoing, and no court has determined criminal liability at this stage.
