NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports surrounding the death of 24-year-old Deepika Nagar in Greater Noida and has sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, within seven days.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Uttar Pradesh DGP directing immediate, impartial and time-bound action in the case.
Allegations of Dowry Harassment and Mental Torture
According to the Commission, media reports indicate that Deepika Nagar had been facing continuous dowry demands as well as physical and mental harassment from her in-laws.
The Commission stated that the woman, distressed by the alleged abuse, reportedly jumped from the roof of her matrimonial home and died by suicide.
Her family, however, has alleged that she was murdered by her in-laws and has rejected the possibility of suicide or accidental death.
The incident occurred at her three-storey matrimonial house in Gautam Buddh Nagar district on Sunday.
NCW Seeks Comprehensive Details From Uttar Pradesh Police
The National Commission for Women has sought extensive information from the Uttar Pradesh Police, including:
- Legal provisions invoked in the FIR
- Action taken under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Application of the Dowry Prohibition Act
- Status of arrests and progress of investigation
- Previous complaints, if any
- Electronic and forensic evidence collected
- Post-mortem findings
- Role of each accused person
The Commission has also requested details about legal aid, security, counselling and compensation being provided to the victim’s family.
Additionally, it has asked for preventive and remedial measures being taken to curb dowry harassment and crimes against married women.
NCW Condemns Dowry Harassment
Condemning the incident, the Commission said no leniency should be shown in cases involving dowry harassment and domestic violence.
It emphasized that strict action must be taken against all those found guilty.
Husband and Father-in-Law Arrested
Police have arrested Deepika’s husband, Hrithik, and her father-in-law, Manoj.
Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused named in the FIR, which has been registered under provisions relating to dowry death.
Post-Mortem Reveals Severe Internal Injuries
The post-mortem report, accessed by PTI, found:
- Brain hemorrhage and hematoma on the middle and left sides of the brain
- Bleeding from the left nostril and mouth
- Rupture of the liver, spleen and right kidney
- Multiple contusions on the arm and thigh
Viscera samples have been preserved for forensic analysis to determine whether any toxic substances were present.
Case Sparks Fresh Focus on Dowry-Related Violence
The case has once again highlighted the persistent issue of dowry-related harassment and violence against married women in India.
The NCW’s intervention underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of a thorough and transparent investigation.
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