Kasaragod dowry death: 24-year-old consumes acid in front of in-laws; husband detained

KASARAGOD: A 24-year-old woman died after consuming acid in front of her in-laws at Charladka in Panathala, Kasaragod. The deceased has been identified as Fathimath Sufaida. Following her tragic demise, her family has come forward with severe allegations of torture and harassment against her husband and his relatives.

The couple, who share a two-month-old infant, was scheduled to celebrate their first wedding anniversary on Monday. Sufaida’s family alleges that persistent mental and physical harassment over dowry, specifically demanding gold, drove her to take the extreme step. A formal complaint detailing these grievances was filed at the Vidyanagar Police Station, leading to the prompt detention of her husband, Aadil. Police officials confirmed that he is currently undergoing rigorous interrogation.

According to sources, the incident transpired yesterday evening when Sufaida’s parents arrived at the matrimonial home intending to take her back to her paternal residence. This triggered a heated dispute within the household. It is alleged that Aadil warned Sufaida that she would not be permitted to return if she left with her parents. Following this confrontation, Sufaida consumed acid stored inside the house.

In a damning accusation, the victim's relatives claimed that instead of rushing her to a medical facility upon witnessing the act, the in-laws stood by passively and shouted curses at her. Sufaida's family further alleged a history of abuse, stating that during a previous altercation regarding gold, Aadil had intentionally smashed her mobile phone to prevent her from exposing the domestic violence to outsiders.

The body is currently kept at the Kasaragod MIMS Hospital, where inquest proceedings are underway. A Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) and other high-ranking officials visited the spot to oversee the initial legal formalities as the investigation continues.