Dowry Harassment Claims Another Life: 22-Year-Old Devaki Dies by Suicide in Hadapsar, Pune – Like Vaishnavi Hagawane
Dowry Harassment Claims Another Life: 22-Year-Old Devaki Dies by Suicide in Hadapsar, Pune – Like Vaishnavi Hagawane
Pune: In yet another grim incident of dowry harassment, a 22-year-old woman named Devaki Prasad Pujari ended her life in Pune after allegedly facing relentless abuse from her in-laws. The tragedy unfolded in Hadapsar and bears haunting similarities to the recent case of Vaishnavi Hagwane from Pimpri Chinchwad.
Devaki had been married for just over a month. She tied the knot with Prasad Chandrakant Pujari on April 18 in a ceremony at Basav Mangal Hall in Bagewadi, Vijayapura. Her family reportedly gave four tolas of gold and spent around Rs 10 lakh on the wedding. But soon after she moved to Pune, Devaki began facing pressure and verbal abuse for not meeting additional dowry demands, including household items like a refrigerator and utensils.
A relative disclosed that the harassment started the day she arrived at her marital home. Unable to bear the mistreatment, Devaki returned to her parental home and confided in her father about the abuse. Although reassured by her father-in-law to return with promises of change, the situation worsened. On May 18, she made a distress call to her father, describing continued abuse and even physical assault from her husband, brother-in-law, and in-laws.
Despite her father’s assurance to visit her in Pune to resolve the matter, tragedy struck the next morning. On May 19, Devaki was found hanging in her home.
Her father, Gurusangappa Myageri, has filed a formal complaint at the Hadapsar Police Station. A case has been registered against Devaki’s husband Prasad, his brother Prasanna, mother Surekha, and father Chandrakant Pujari under relevant legal sections. Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.
Devaki’s death has once again put a spotlight on the deeply entrenched issue of dowry harassment, which continues to claim lives despite existing legal protections. This case, like that of Vaishnavi Hagwane, underscores the urgency for societal reform and stricter law enforcement to protect women from such forms of domestic abuse.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to these mental health helplines:
- Tele Manas (Ministry of Health): 14416 / 1800 891 4416
- NIMHANS: 080-26995000 / 5100 / 5200 / 5300 / 5400
- Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline: 080-23655557
- ICALL: 022-25521111 / 9152987821
- Peak Mind: 080-45687786
- Vandrevala Foundation: 9999 666 555
- COOJ Mental Health Foundation: 0832-2252525
The investigation is ongoing, and the community awaits justice for Devaki.
