Tension continues to mount in Kendrapara’s Mahakalapada block following the suspicious death of Namita Bhuiyan, a five-month pregnant woman.
Allegedly a victim of dowry harassment, Namita’s grieving family has refused to allow a post-mortem until all accused are arrested.
According to police, Namita’s husband, Chagali Bhuiyan, and father-in-law have been detained after her death was reported under mysterious circumstances in Badamatha village. The family claims she was routinely tortured for dowry and was fatally beaten on June 21, shortly before being rushed to the district headquarters hospital, where she was declared dead.
Despite repeated efforts by the Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) to mediate, the family continues to hold the body, using it as both a protest and proof. “We will not allow the post-mortem until every person involved is brought to justice,” said a family spokesperson.
Local outrage has been swift, reigniting conversations around dowry violence and the limitations of enforcement mechanisms. Police investigations are ongoing, but other accused members remain at large, further fueling frustration.
The case underscores the enduring threat posed by dowry-related abuse in India and highlights the pressing need for stronger protective frameworks for women.