NEW DELHI: The husband and sister-in-law of a Dehradun school teacher, who died within eight months of her marriage, have been arrested as police widen their investigation into allegations raised by her family.
The arrests came after the mother of the teacher, identified as Srishti Kandari, accused her husband and his relatives of persistent harassment.
The Uttarakhand State Commission for Women has also taken suo motu cognisance of the case and contacted the family and senior police officers.
Husband and sister-in-law arrested in Dehradun teacher death case
Dehradun Police said teams led by the Superintendent of Police, Rural, and the Circle Officer collected evidence during the investigation before arresting the two accused.
“Taking swift action, the team of SP Rural and the Circle Officer collected all important evidence and arrested two people–her husband and her sister-in-law. Strict police action will be taken against all the accused,” Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobhal said.
Police said the investigation remained underway. Action would also be taken against any other person found involved in the case, they added.
Women’s Commission takes suo motu cognisance
Uttarakhand State Commission for Women Chairperson Kusum Kandwal said she contacted Srishti’s mother after learning about the death.
Kandwal also spoke to the Circle Officer, the station house officer concerned and the Dehradun SSP over the progress of the investigation.
“As soon as we came to know about Srishti, I spoke to the CO, SHO of the Police station concerned and SSP. Women’s Commission takes suo motu cognisance. I also spoke to Srishti’s mother,” Kandwal said.
“This is very unfortunate; an educated daughter who was a teacher decided to die by suicide,” she added.
Kandwal urged women experiencing harassment or distress to approach the police or the State Commission for Women instead of remaining silent.
“To ensure that such incidents do not recur, I urge daughters to approach the Women’s Commission if you feel any wrong is happening to you. The doors of the Commission are always open for you. Approach the Police. You will get justice. But don’t take such a drastic step,” she said.
Mother’s complaint led to criminal investigation
Police registered a case on July 31 against the teacher’s husband, who was described as a private secretary posted at the Uttarakhand Secretariat, and members of his family.
The case was filed after Srishti’s mother submitted a complaint alleging that her daughter had faced continued harassment from her husband and his relatives.
Circle Officer Vandana Verma said Doiwala Kotwali police were informed about the woman’s death. A police team inspected the scene before completing the inquest and post-mortem procedures.
“Information was received at the Doiwala Kotwali police station that a woman had committed suicide by hanging herself. Acting on this information, the police team inspected the scene; the inquest proceedings were conducted, and a post-mortem examination was carried out,” Verma said.
The matter was subsequently taken up as a criminal investigation after the family approached the police with allegations of harassment and wrongdoing. - The Statesman/ANN
***Those contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/email sam@befrienders.org.my/visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre- in-malaysia).
