Dowry death allegation: Woman dies after two-day battle in hospital, family stages protest at Police Station

Anandapur, June 6: In a heartbreaking incident, a young married woman lost her life after battling for two days at the hospital, with her family accusing her in-laws of poisoning her over dowry demands.

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The incident took place in Jhadukundi village under Ghasipura police limits in Anandapur subdivision, Keonjhar district.

The deceased has been identified as Rashmita Panda, a resident from Malatira village under Banta police station in Bhadrak district.

In 2020, she had married Shivananda Panda, son of Manguli Panda from Jhadukundi. Initially, everything seemed fine in the marriage. However, within a few months, Rashmita's in-laws allegedly began demanding more dowry and subjecting her to mental and physical abuse. Tensions gradually rose between both families.

On June 3, Rashmita was found in a critical condition and was rushed to Anandapur hospital. She was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment. Her family members were informed and reached the hospital.

After two days of treatment, Rashmita succumbed to her injuries. Her family alleged that her in-laws forcibly made her consume poison due to continued dowry harassment. In protest, her relatives placed her body at the gates of the Ghasipura police station, demanding strict action against the accused.

Rashmita's father, Rabindra Panda, filed a formal complaint alleging that she was murdered for dowry. However, despite the seriousness of the accusation, no arrests have been made so far. Police say that an investigation is underway.

This tragic case adds to the growing number of dowry-related violence incidents in the state, sparking concerns about women’s safety and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of anti-dowry laws.