Newly-wed woman dies of burns, kin claim dowry torture

TIRUCHY: In a horrific incident, a 24-year-old woman from Mayiladuthurai, who was reportedly tortured and burnt alive by her husband and his family members died at Chidambaram GH on Tuesday (August 23).

The issue came to light on Thursday after the video of the woman’s statement, recorded at the government hospital days before her death, that she was tortured and burnt alive by her husband and in-laws, went viral in the region. The victim’s father has approached the police demanding action against her husband and family.

According to sources, M Dharshika (24), daughter of R Mohanasundaram from Melaperumpallam near Tharangambadi in Mayiladuthurai got married to M Karthik alias Balamurugan (30) on Valentine’s Day (Feb 14) this year.

On June 30, Dharshika, who was residing at her husband’s house in Sirkazhi, was rushed to Chidambaram GH with burns. Initially, Mohanasundaram was informed by Karthik that Dharshika had poured hot water on herself out of frustration after a quarrel with him. Soon Mohanasundaram rushed to the hospital and found Dharshika in a critical condition.

When the family members, including her father, demanded Dharshika to explain as to what exactly happened, she said that Balamurugan had burnt her alive after pouring kerosene and left the house locking the doors from outside. Dharshika somehow managed to come out of the house through the backyard and neighbours rescued and rushed her to the Chidambaram GH. However, Dharshika, who was undergoing treatment, succumbed on August 23.

Initially, police registered Dharshika’s death as case of self-immolation. But, family members armed with a video-recorded statement of Dharshika, while she was undergoing treatment, released it and demanded action against her husband Balamurugan, his mother Usha Rani and sister-in-law Deepa.

“We gave dowry of around Rs 15 lakh, but Karthik and his family members continued to torture her demanding several other household items, including air-conditioner and Rs 4 lakh in cash. Despite my talks with her husband and in-laws, they tortured and killed my daughter,” Mohanasundaram said in his complaint to Anaikkaranchathiram police station. He also attached the video and the previous statements from his daughter Dharshika. Further investigations are on.