Young Woman Dies in Kalahandi: Family Alleges Dowry-Driven Poisoning

A disturbing case of suspected dowry harassment has emerged from Bhramaramal village in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, where 22-year-old Khirabati Sahu died under suspicious circumstances late Wednesday night.

Khirabati, married for less than two years to Jagannath Sahu, was reportedly subjected to ongoing mental and physical abuse by her husband and in-laws. Her father, Kautuka Sahu, alleges that the harassment stemmed from demands for Rs 1 lakh and additional dowry. In recent days, Khirabati was allegedly denied food and water, further worsening her condition.

Around 11:30 PM on Wednesday, Kautuka received a call from a relative of the in-laws stating that Khirabati had consumed poison and was being rushed to Kesinga Hospital.

Due to her critical state, she was referred to Bhawanipatna District Headquarters Hospital, where she was declared dead upon arrival.

Kautuka has filed a formal complaint at Kesinga Police Station, accusing the in-laws of poisoning his daughter. However, Kesinga IIC Jitendra Biswal stated that the cause of poisoning remains unclear and could be linked to family disputes.

Authorities await the post-mortem report to determine whether the poisoning was self-inflicted or administered.

The case has reignited concerns over dowry-related violence in rural Odisha, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of anti-dowry laws and better protection for vulnerable women.