Newlywed found hanging in Lucknow; family alleges torture over dowry, car demand

LUCKNOW: A 28-year-old newlywed woman was found hanging under mysterious circumstances at her in-laws’ residence in Lucknow’s Thakurganj area on Monday, barely six months after her marriage, with her family alleging that she was killed following sustained dowry harassment and repeated demands for a four-wheeler.

The deceased, identified as Shweta Singh, was living with her husband Shivam Singh and his family in Kashi Vihar Colony under the limits of Thakurganj Police. Shivam is reportedly employed at a private pathology laboratory.



Police officials said the body has been sent for post-mortem examination and an investigation is underway to determine whether the death was a case of suicide or linked to dowry-related violence.

According to family members, Shweta had married Shivam on November 22, 2025. Her parental home is also located in the Vishwanagar-Malhai Tola locality of Thakurganj.

Relatives alleged that disputes had started soon after the wedding and accused the in-laws of continuously pressuring Shweta to bring a four-wheeler and other costly items as dowry.

Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that his daughter was subjected to constant mental and physical harassment after marriage. “They started demanding a car shortly after the wedding. She was repeatedly harassed over dowry and was never happy there,” he alleged.

The woman’s brother, Ashutosh Singh, said the family received a call from the in-laws around 11 am informing them that Shweta had allegedly died by suicide.

According to the family, by the time they reached the house, the body had already been taken down from the noose and shifted to the Trauma Centre of King George's Medical University.

Family members alleged that the body was removed before their arrival in an attempt to tamper with evidence.

Adding to the suspicion, Shweta’s sister Jyoti Singh claimed she had spoken to her over the phone on Sunday morning and that Shweta did not sound distressed or emotionally disturbed during the conversation.

Family members further said Shweta had visited her ailing mother, Savita Singh, at a private hospital on Saturday night before returning to her in-laws’ residence.

Deputy commissioner of police (West Zone) Kamlesh Dixit said police had detained the woman’s husband and father-in-law for questioning.

“The woman’s family has alleged dowry harassment and demand for a four-wheeler. The husband and father-in-law have been detained and are being questioned. The post-mortem examination is being conducted and further legal action will be taken based on the findings,” Dixit said.

Police officials added that statements of family members, neighbours and relatives are being recorded while all allegations, including dowry death and abetment to suicide, are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.