If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

A young woman named Priya Sharma from Bhopal was brutally murdered by her husband and in-laws in a shocking dowry death case. The 22-year-old victim was married to Vikash Kumar in March 2024. After giving birth to a baby girl in January 2025, she was killed on 15th June 2025 by her husband, brother-in-law, mother-in-law, and father-in-law.

Initially, the family claimed Priya died due to respiratory problems. However, her brother insisted on a post-mortem examination, which revealed horrific injuries including fractured sternum, multiple fractured ribs, broken collarbone, severe abrasions, and fatal head trauma. The forensic report concluded “PULMONARY EDEMA due to HEAD INJURY” as the cause of death.

During the Revenue Divisional Officer inquiry, evidence of dowry harassment was discovered on the victim’s mobile phone. The police eventually arrested the husband (A1) and father-in-law (A2), while the mother-in-law and brother-in-law remain absconding despite arrest warrants.

The case took a concerning turn when the Indore Sessions Court rejected regular bail applications, but the accused moved to the High Court. Though the High Court also dismissed their bail applications, the primary concern now is the approaching 90-day deadline under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), after which the accused may be entitled to default bail if the charge sheet is not filed.

Advice in such cases

Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think

• File a comprehensive complaint under Section 80 of BNS (Dowry Death) immediately with all evidence
• Ensure proper documentation of all dowry demands and harassment incidents
• Request expedited investigation and charge sheet filing to prevent default bail
• Maintain constant follow-up with investigating officers regarding case progress
• Apply for witness protection if family members face threats
• Document all medical evidence and forensic reports properly
• Seek court intervention to expedite arrest of absconding accused

Applicable Sections of Law

• Section 80 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – Dowry Death
• Section 103(1) of BNS – Murder
• Section 3/4 of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
• Section 187 of BNSS – Investigation time limits and charge sheet filing
• Section 479 of BNSS – Default bail provisions
• Section 35 of BNS – Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention

If you are the complainant

As the complainant in a dowry death case, you must act swiftly and strategically. File a detailed FIR mentioning all incidents of dowry harassment with specific dates and demands. Collect all evidence including photographs, messages, call records, and witness statements. Ensure the police invoke appropriate sections under BNS and Dowry Prohibition Act. Keep track of the 90-day investigation period and regularly follow up on case progress. Engage a competent criminal lawyer experienced in dowry death cases to prevent procedural lapses that could benefit the accused.

If you are the victim

If you are facing dowry harassment, document every incident with dates, witnesses, and evidence. Save threatening messages, record conversations where possible, and inform trusted family members about the situation. Create a safety plan and keep important documents in a secure location. Report dowry demands immediately to police and file complaints under relevant sections. Seek help from women’s helplines and counseling services. Never ignore threats or violence – they often escalate. Consider temporary separation if your safety is at risk and inform local authorities about your situation.

How the police behave in such cases

Police response in dowry death cases varies significantly across jurisdictions. Some officers demonstrate professionalism and urgency, while others may show reluctance or bias. Common issues include delayed arrest of accused, inadequate investigation, pressure for compromise, and failure to invoke appropriate legal sections. Police may sometimes treat such cases as family disputes initially. It’s crucial to ensure proper FIR registration, demand written acknowledgment of complaints, and maintain records of all interactions. Senior officers or court intervention may be necessary if investigating officers show negligence or bias.

FAQs people normally have

Can default bail be prevented after 90 days?
Default bail can be challenged if the investigation requires more time due to complexity, but courts generally grant it unless exceptional circumstances exist.

What happens if some accused are absconding?
Cases can proceed against arrested accused while efforts continue to apprehend absconding persons. Non-bailable warrants remain valid.

Is dowry death automatically assumed in such cases?
No, prosecution must prove dowry demands and harassment within seven years of marriage, along with unnatural death circumstances.

What evidence is required?

• Post-mortem report indicating cause of death and nature of injuries
• Medical records showing history of physical abuse or treatment
• Documentary evidence of dowry demands (messages, emails, letters)
• Witness statements from family members, neighbors, or friends
• Call records and digital communications revealing harassment
• Photographs of injuries or damaged property
• Bank statements showing financial transactions related to dowry
• Previous complaints or reports filed regarding domestic violence
• Expert testimony from forensic specialists and medical professionals

How long will the investigation take?

Under BNSS provisions, police must complete investigation and file charge sheet within 90 days for cases where maximum punishment exceeds 10 years. However, courts may grant extensions in complex cases involving multiple accused, extensive evidence collection, or forensic analysis. Dowry death investigations typically take 2-6 months depending on case complexity, cooperation from accused, evidence availability, and police efficiency. Families should monitor progress closely and seek legal intervention if unnecessary delays occur that might benefit the accused through default bail provisions.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India