Delhi Woman Found Dead Two Months After Marriage; Family Alleges Dowry Harassment

A 28-year-old woman was reportedly found dead at a residential complex in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony, just over two months after her marriage. Police said the incident took place on Saturday, while the woman’s family has alleged that she was murdered following repeated dowry-related harassment by her in-laws.

The deceased has been identified as Akriti Sutar, who married Arastu Sikka on April 24, as per reports. She died just 72 days after the wedding.

Family rejects suicide claim

According to her family, Akriti had returned to work on Saturday after taking a few days’ leave. They said she showed no signs of emotional distress and even organised a small gathering for her colleagues at her office.

Her relatives said Akriti also spoke to her mother around 6 p.m. and mentioned the office gathering before saying she was on her way home. They claimed she sounded cheerful and did not indicate that anything was wrong.

According to reports, Her younger brother, Amay Sutar, rejected the possibility of suicide, saying Akriti was mentally strong and would never have taken such a step.

Husband reported her missing

Akriti’s uncle, Mananjay Sutar, reportedly said the family received a call from her husband, Arastu Sikka, at around 8 p.m., informing them that she was missing.

About an hour and a half later, police contacted the family and informed them that the body of a woman had been found at Palika Kunj in Lodhi Colony.

Akriti worked as a sales executive at a private company in Chhatarpur and lived in Pushp Vihar, as per reports. Her body was found inside a residential society in Lodhi Colony, around 10 kilometres from her home.

Police suspect she may have fallen from the building, but the exact circumstances surrounding her death are yet to be established.

Family alleges dowry harassment

The family has reportedly alleged that Akriti was subjected to continuous harassment over dowry after her marriage.

According to reports citing her relatives, her husband and his family had allegedly demanded ₹20 lakh and repeatedly threatened and mistreated her. They further claimed that Arastu had threatened to kill her on several occasions and that the couple had a serious argument just two days before the incident.

The family also said the couple had been in a relationship for eight years before getting married in April. They claimed Arastu is currently unemployed.

Police said the case is under investigation and that all possible angles, including the allegations made by the family, are being examined.