Pune Techie Dies by Suicide After Alleged Dowry Harassment; Names Mother-in-Law in Note

A 29-year-old Pune woman was found dead in a flat in Mukund Nagar on Monday after allegedly facing harassment from her in-laws, prompting police to arrest her husband and book four family members.

Payal Zambre Patil, a former IT professional, had reportedly sent messages to several people on Monday morning stating that her mother-in-law would be responsible if anything happened to her. Police said she had argued with her mother-in-law the previous day and left her matrimonial home.

She was later found hanging from a ceiling fan in another flat within a residential complex near her home. The incident came to light around 11.30 am.

Family Alleges Harassment Over Repeated Gold Demands

According to the complaint filed by Payal's family, her husband Akshay Zambre Patil and his relatives allegedly subjected her to mental harassment over repeated demands for gold.

Her uncle alleged that the family had been demanding 10 tolas of gold every Diwali since her marriage. He claimed that this year's demand could not be met because Payal's parental family, which is engaged in farming, was facing financial difficulties amid drought-like conditions.

The family also alleged that Payal was harassed during her pregnancy in 2022, with her in-laws pressuring her to give birth to a boy.

She delivered a girl on March 30, 2023. According to the complaint, her in-laws argued with her at the hospital and allegedly said they would not take responsibility for either her or the child.

Brother Raises Questions Over Discovery of Body

Payal's brother, Rishikesh Pawar, alleged that her husband and in-laws appeared unconcerned when he reached their residence on Monday morning.

He claimed that they began searching for her only after her family questioned them. According to Pawar, the in-laws returned within five minutes and said Payal was in a nearby apartment.

Pawar alleged that the flat was locked from inside and he entered through the rear balcony, where he found his sister hanging.

He also said Payal had repeatedly complained about harassment by her mother-in-law. Her brother had reportedly spoken to Akshay after Sunday's argument and told him that the dispute could be resolved.

Husband Arrested, Four Family Members Booked

Swargate police registered a case of harassment and abetment of suicide against four members of Payal's in-laws' family, including her husband and mother-in-law.

Senior Inspector Yashwant Nikam said Akshay had been arrested, while two police teams were formed to trace the remaining accused.

Police said no suicide note was recovered from the flat. Investigators are recording statements from Payal's maternal relatives and examining the circumstances surrounding her death.

Payal's family has alleged that she was murdered and that her death was staged as a suicide. Police have registered a case of abetment of suicide, and the allegations are being investigated.

Following her death, members of her parental family allegedly vandalised her in-laws' residence, office and marriage hall, leading to tension in the area.