A 33-year-old woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Kothagudem district, Telangana, after allegedly being subjected to starvation, physical assault, and prolonged confinement by her husband and in-laws.
The victim, identified as Lakshmi Prasanna, was declared dead at Rajamahendravaram Government Hospital in East Godavari district on Saturday. Lakshmi Prasanna, a native of Vishwannathapuram in Khammam district, married Poola Naresh Babu of Khanakhanpet in 2015.
Her family claims to have given dowry including two acres of mango orchards, half an acre of farmland, Rs 10 lakh in cash, and gold ornaments worth Rs 10 lakh at the time of marriage.
According to her parents, Lakshmi Prasanna’s life turned tragic after moving to Aswaraopeta. They allege she was kept under house arrest for the past two years, denied contact with them, and prevented from using the phone.
“She was locked inside, not allowed to see us or talk to us. They starved her and killed her for additional dowry,” her parents told reporters.
On Saturday, her husband reportedly informed his in-laws that Lakshmi Prasanna had fallen from the stairs and was admitted to hospital. When her parents arrived at the Rajamahendravaram Government Hospital, they found their daughter in a skeletal condition with both fresh and old injuries.
Following a complaint by her father, police have registered a case of suspicious death. The complaint names Naresh Babu, his mother Vijayalakshmi, sister Dasari Bhulakshmi, and brother-in-law Srinivas Rao for harassment and cruelty.
A local Sub-Inspector said, “We have booked a case under suspicious death and are investigating. Action will be taken as per evidence.”
Meanwhile, Naresh Babu’s brother-in-law denied the allegations, claiming Lakshmi Prasanna suffered from anemia and thyroid-related health issues, dismissing charges of starvation and harassment as baseless.
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