A 28-year-old woman, Poojashree, died by suicide in Bengaluru, India, allegedly due to dowry harassment and her husband's extramarital affair. Police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.

Poojashree was married to Nandeesh for three years and worked as a cashier at a bank. The couple had a young daughter. According to reports, Poojashree confronted her husband about his alleged affair, which led to frequent quarrels and demands for dowry.

Poojashree's mother stated that she had borrowed Rs 30 lakh from her father for the wedding. She alleged that Poojashree was constantly tortured for dowry and because of Nandeesh's affair. Another relative alleged that Poojashree was forced to hand over her salary, gold, and valuables. Poojashree's grandmother said that the family was deceived about Nandeesh's background and property and that after the marriage, they demanded a house.

Despite attempts at mediation by family members and well-wishers, the harassment reportedly continued. Poojashree's mother alleged that on the day of her death, Nandeesh took her from their house around 7:15 am, and by 8:20 am, he called to say that she had committed suicide. She believes that his affair led to her daughter's death.

This is not an isolated incident. Last week, another Bengaluru woman, Shilpa, 27, was found dead at her home. Her family has also alleged dowry harassment, claiming that her husband, Praveen, and his family demanded additional money and valuables despite having already paid Rs 40 lakh, 160 grams of gold, and other valuables. Shilpa's husband has been arrested for allegedly abetting her suicide. Shilpa's family also alleged that she was taunted because of her skin color.

Shilpa had been married to Praveen for about two-and-a-half years, and they have a child. According to Shilpa's parents, Praveen's family had initially demanded Rs 15 lakh in cash, 150 grams of gold jewellery and household articles at the time of marriage. Praveen was also a software professional earlier and worked at a company in Bengaluru's Whitefield but had quit the job to start a panipuri business.

These incidents highlight the continued prevalence of dowry-related harassment and violence in India, despite it being illegal.