Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh: A 21-year-old newlywed woman in Madhya Pradesh has died after allegedly consuming acid due to relentless harassment from her in-laws over dowry. The woman, identified as Vimlesh Baghel, was reportedly pressured to bring a 'Murrah' buffalo, a high-yield breed valued at approximately Rs 2 lakh, to her marital home in Gwalior. Police have registered a case against her husband and four other family members for dowry harassment and abetment to suicide.
Vimlesh Baghel married Dinesh Baghel on January 31, 2024. Shortly after the wedding, her in-laws allegedly began demanding a Murrah buffalo to support their dairy business. According to Vimlesh's family, the demands soon escalated to constant physical and mental abuse. A family member reported to the police that Vimlesh was beaten almost daily and would often call, crying, but she hesitated to file a formal complaint.
On September 20, 2025, the harassment allegedly turned violent. Overwhelmed, Vimlesh consumed acid the following day at her in-laws' residence. She was rushed to the hospital, but she died during treatment.
Following the incident, Vimlesh's brother, Mahendra Baghel, filed a complaint against Dinesh Baghel (husband), Imrat and Vidya Baghel (parents-in-law), Harisingh Baghel (brother-in-law), and Bhavana Baghel (sister-in-law), accusing them of driving her to suicide. Police investigations confirmed that Vimlesh was subjected to dowry-related harassment. An FIR was registered on October 17, 2025, approximately 26 days after the incident. All five accused are currently absconding, and police are conducting searches to apprehend them.
This incident highlights the continued prevalence of dowry-related crimes in India, despite the existence of laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961. This Act prohibits the giving and taking of dowry, which includes any property, valuable security, or money given or agreed to be given in connection with a marriage. Violators may face imprisonment and fines. Further legal protections are provided under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which addresses cruelty by a husband or his relatives, including harassment for dowry demands. Section 304B of the IPC deals specifically with dowry deaths, prescribing a minimum sentence of seven years imprisonment, extendable to life imprisonment, if a woman dies under suspicious circumstances within seven years of marriage and has been subjected to dowry-related harassment.
Activists and legal experts have stressed that alongside legal frameworks, broader societal change is essential to eradicate the practice of dowry and protect women's rights and dignity. This includes challenging traditional beliefs and norms, increasing public awareness, and economically empowering women.
