Daughter returned home due to domestic violence; 26-year-old killed by father-in-law and relatives

RAJKOT: Middle-aged man kills his daughter's husband during an argument over domestic violence. The incident took place in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The deceased was identified as 26-year-old Vira Thaparia. The attack was carried out by his father-in-law and relatives.

Thaparia and his wife got married two years ago. Thaparia's wife had been living with her parents for over three months. The murder took place while the police were investigating a domestic violence case against Thaparia. The slain youth and his wife were residents of neighboring villages.

The girl's relatives had come to attend a religious ceremony in Thaparia's village the previous day. The girl's brothers and father had a dispute over the case. The altercation started with a demand to withdraw the case and send the woman back to her husband's house. Then the young woman's father and brothers attacked the young man with a knife.

The injured youth was rushed to the hospital, but his life could not be saved. Relatives of the youth have lodged a complaint with the police. However, the young woman's father and relatives have filed a complaint with the police, alleging that Thaparia and his relatives were trying to attack them.

Meanwhile, Kerala reports the highest number of domestic violence complaints and dowry-related deaths. Even though there has been a significant reduction in dowry death rates in the state, the daily news shows that there is no reduction in dowry-related violence.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau's estimates from 2011 to October 2023, 192 dowry deaths were reported in Kerala in the last 12 years. The highest number of deaths was reported in 2012 when 32 people died. The lowest number of dowry deaths was reported in 2020, with six deaths. In 2016, 25 dowry deaths were reported; in 2017, 12; in 2018, 17; in 2019, 8; in 2021, 9; and seven dowry deaths have been reported till October this year.

Although Malayalees have a strong conviction that giving and receiving dowry is legally wrong, the reality is that most of them are not ready to stop this practice. Under Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, giving, receiving, or abetting dowry is an offense punishable with imprisonment of not less than five years and a fine of Rs 15,000. The dowry so procured must be returned to the bride within three months. Otherwise, imprisonment of not less than six months and up to two years and a fine of Rs 5,000 to 10,000 can be imposed.