Deadly Dowry Dispute Ruins Many Families in the Prayagraj Region

A suspected dowry death in Prayagraj triggered horrific revenge, leaving the victim's in-laws killed in an arson attack, allegedly by the victim's relatives. Seven arrests were made amid allegations of dowry demands.

The heartbreaking incident has resulted in the death of three people in Prayagraj city and has torn down two families, which is believed to be due to a dowry dispute. On the night of March 18th, Anshika Kesarwani, 23, was found hanging at her in-laws' home under mysterious circumstances. 

Within just one hour, Anshika's relatives, who accused her of being murdered for dowry, came and gathered in a mob of around 60-70 strong at the house. A fight started between the two clans. In the mess that followed, Anshika's relatives are accused of deliberately setting the Kesarwani house on fire, trapping Anshika's in-laws Rajendra and Shobha inside. The elderly couple was burnt to death in the fire. 

Shivani Kesarwani, Anshika's sister-in-law, also managed to escape from the burning house along with her aunt.  However, she is now distressed. "My life is over, my home and family are no more," she said, asking for justice. As many as seven family members including her father and uncle have been arrested on the charges of arson and culpable homicide. 

But, the grandfather of Anshika says that his granddaughter was murdered by his in-laws due to dowry demand. "They murdered Anshika and hung her to make it look like a suicide," the 90-year-old said. 

The double tragedy has left tenants of the middle-class neighborhoods where the two families lived in shock. Though Anshika's family appears to be simple and nice, this shocking crime has brought up some strange thoughts. 

Also Read: Woman Killed by Husband, In-Laws for not fulfilling the Dowry, Near Noida

The incident is a reminder of the fact that the dowry demands in India are still a persistent evil even though they have been illegal since 1961. The government statistics reveal 35,000 brides were killed over dowry issues in the span of five years (2017-2022) across the country. With the investigation underway, the families hope for justice even as they struggle with the depths of sorrow and agony that the deadly dowry dispute has brought about.