Woman dies mysteriously, parents allege murder

Vishal Jasrotia

Samba, December 15

Tension prevailed in Khanwal village here following the death of newlywed Rama Devi.

The police said Rama Devi, daughter of Mela Ram of Arjun Chak in Hiranagar, had allegedly consumed poison on Sunday and was declared brought dead by doctors at the District Hospital, Samba.

However, the victim’s parents and other family members alleged that their daughter was murdered. They said Rama was administered poison by her in-laws.

The victim was married to a special police officer at Khanwal in April 2013, and her parents alleged that the police was trying to hush-up the case.

“Rama was often harassed and tortured by her in-laws after she gave birth to a girl child five months ago. My daughter was a victim of domestic violence. They killed her because of inadequate dowry. I made all efforts to settle the issue but she continued to face violence at the hands of her husband Devinder and father-in-law Vaishno Dutt,” said Mela Ram.

He claimed that Rama was killed by her in-laws and now they were trying to project it as a suicide.

Meanwhile, no case was registered till the report was filed.

The agitated family members did not allow the cremation of the victim and lodged a protest. They demanded immediate arrest of Rama’s husband and father-in-law.

After getting assurance of proper investigation, the family members allowed the cremation ceremony under tight security.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Samba, Anil Magotra said the police was acting in a fair manner and it had recorded statements of both the parties.

“The reason behind the death is yet to be ascertained. Once the autopsy report is out we will initiate the proceedings,” the SSP said.