Devika’s tragic death has once again brought to light the deep-rooted issue of dowry harassment in India, a menace that continues to destroy lives despite stringent legal measures. The 25-year-old software firm employee, who had been married for just six months, allegedly faced continuous mental and physical abuse at the hands of her husband, Sharath Chandra, due to his repeated demands for additional dowry. Unable to bear the torment any longer, she reportedly took the extreme step on Sunday night at their home in Prashanti Hills, Raidurgam village, Hyderabad. The heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns over the persistence of dowry-related exploitation even in modern, urban settings.
According to Devika’s family, her marriage to Sharath Chandra took place in Goa just half a year ago, but soon after, her husband began pressuring her for more dowry. Despite legal provisions such as the Dowry Prohibition Act and numerous awareness campaigns against the practice, dowry harassment remains alarmingly prevalent across different sections of society. Devika’s mother, Ramalakshmi, has alleged that her daughter was subjected to both physical and psychological abuse over unmet dowry demands, leading her to a point of unbearable distress. On Sunday night, unable to cope any further, Devika is believed to have hanged herself. Upon discovering her body, Sharath Chandra immediately informed both her family and the authorities. However, suspicions surrounding his role in her suffering quickly emerged, prompting Devika’s mother to file a formal complaint against him.
The Raidurgam police have since registered a case against Sharath Chandra and initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Devika’s death. Authorities have sent her body for a post-mortem examination at Osmania Hospital, which is expected to provide further clarity on the exact cause of death. In addition, police officials are currently gathering evidence, including statements from Devika’s relatives, neighbors, and close friends, to establish the sequence of events that led to this tragedy. The case has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws against dowry harassment, as well as increased societal awareness to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Adding to the distressing state of affairs, Devika’s suicide came just a day after another tragic case in Telangana, where a young student from Medak district also took her own life, reportedly due to academic pressure. The student, who was in her first year of intermediate studies at a private college in Hyderabad, had returned home to Medak for the Shivaratri festival. However, she was reportedly struggling with a lack of interest in academics and overwhelming anxiety over her upcoming exams. Concerned about her well-being, her parents decided to bring her back to Medak on February 1, intending to shift her to another educational institution. Unfortunately, before any further action could be taken, she allegedly succumbed to her stress and ended her life.
These two devastating incidents—one driven by societal and marital exploitation, and the other by immense academic pressure—highlight the growing mental health crisis faced by young individuals in India. The alarming frequency of suicides due to such pressures has sparked discussions about the need for systemic reforms in both social and educational structures. Experts argue that while legal measures against dowry harassment exist, stricter implementation and faster judicial action are required to deter potential offenders. Additionally, educational institutions and families must create a more supportive environment for students, offering proper counseling and stress management resources to help them cope with academic anxieties.
Authorities continue their investigations into both cases, but the larger issue remains: the urgent need for a societal shift that prioritizes mental well-being and eradicates harmful practices such as dowry demands. Until such changes are effectively implemented, tragic losses like Devika’s and the young student’s will continue to be painful reminders of the deep-seated issues that persist in Indian society.
