Fresh CCTV footage has added a dramatic new twist to the suspected dowry death case of a 33-year-old woman from Noida who was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal earlier this month.
The woman died on May 12 at her in-laws’ residence in the Katara Hills area of Madhya Pradesh’s capital, triggering allegations of dowry harassment, assault and murder against her husband and mother-in-law.
CCTV Footage Raises Fresh Questions
Two CCTV clips that surfaced during the investigation are now being closely examined by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
In one video, the woman is reportedly seen walking upstairs inside the house shortly before the incident. Another clip allegedly shows her husband attempting CPR on her twice while she appears unresponsive.
The footage also reportedly shows the woman’s mother-in-law, a retired judge, entering another room during the incident, while two men later help carry the woman downstairs.
The videos have intensified public scrutiny and added fresh questions surrounding the circumstances of her death.
Husband’s Bail Rejected, Police Launch Manhunt
A Bhopal court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of the woman’s husband, who is a lawyer and the main accused in the case.
However, the court granted anticipatory bail to the mother-in-law.
Police have now announced a cash reward of ₹10,000 for information leading to the husband’s arrest, as he remains absconding.
Woman Had Told Family She Felt “Trapped”
Days before her death, the woman had reportedly shared emotional messages with her mother, saying she felt “badly trapped” at her marital home and wanted to return to Noida.
According to her family, she remained in contact with them until around 10 pm on the day she died.
In her chats, she allegedly spoke about emotional distress, saying nobody in the house allowed her to cry or gave her reasons to smile.
The family also alleged that her husband accused her of infidelity after she wanted to terminate her pregnancy.
Relatives claimed she had lost nearly 15 kilograms due to mental stress and harassment after marriage.
Husband Claims Wife Suffered From Depression
In his bail plea, the husband reportedly claimed that his wife suffered from psychiatric illness and drug addiction.
He alleged that she experienced withdrawal symptoms and behavioural issues.
The woman’s mother-in-law also defended the family during a press conference, claiming the deceased was under severe mental pressure and depression.
She described the death as a “nightmare” for the family and alleged that the woman’s family had pushed her into the glamour industry at a young age.
The husband’s plea further claimed that the woman’s behaviour changed after pregnancy and mentioned that she had suffered a miscarriage.
SIT Investigating Dowry Harassment And Possible Lapses
A six-member Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the case.
An FIR has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 80(2) related to dowry death against the husband and mother-in-law.
The SIT is also examining alleged lapses in the initial investigation and post-mortem process at AIIMS Bhopal.
Officials confirmed that the rope allegedly used in the hanging was not sent for forensic examination during the autopsy, and action may be taken against the investigating officer responsible.
Police say the investigation is currently focused on allegations of dowry harassment, abetment and suspicious circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
The case has sparked widespread outrage online, with many demanding a fair and independent investigation.
