A horrific instance of dowry-related violence has claimed the life of a woman in Randha village under Golanthara police limits in Ganjam district.
The victim succumbed to severe injuries inflicted by her husband, highlighting the persistent menace of dowry harassment. Swift action by Golanthara police led to the arrest of the accused husband, identified as 36-year-old Manas Ranjan Dakshinakabata.
According to police sources, the victim, Amrita Priyadarshini—daughter of Upendra Kumar Rout from Bankoi village under Khordha district’s Bolagarh police station—married Manas in June 2020. At the time of the wedding, Amrita’s family fulfilled all negotiated dowry demands, giving gold and silver ornaments, household items, and Rs 3 lakh in cash. An additional Rs 2 lakh in cash was later handed over to the son-in-law upon further requests.
Despite these payments, the peace was short-lived. Shortly after the marriage, Manas and his family members allegedly began subjecting Amrita to physical and mental torture, demanding even more money. Reports state that her in-laws went so far as to forcibly confiscate all of her wedding jewelry.
The abuse escalated fatally on the night of Sept 23. At approximately 9:30 PM, an intoxicated Manas arrived home and launched a violent assault on Amrita, beating her mercilessly. She sustained critical internal and physical injuries during the attack.
Amrita was rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Brahmapur for emergency treatment. After fighting for her life for a week, she passed away on the night of Sept 30 at around 11:30 PM.
Following a formal written complaint lodged by the victim’s grieving father, Upendra Kumar Rout, Golanthara police registered a case (Case No. 398/26).
Police promptly launched an investigation, apprehended the accused, and forwarded him to court. Further investigation into the involvement of other family members remains ongoing.
