Pregnant woman found dead on first anniversary in Bihar, family alleges dowry-related killing

A 22-year-old pregnant woman was found dead at her in-laws’ house in Bihar’s Gopalganj district, with her family alleging that she was killed over dowry demands on the day of her first wedding anniversary. The incident took place in Bakhraur village under the Sidhwalia police station area. The deceased was identified as Gudiya Devi, wife of Manish Kunwar. According to her family, she was three months pregnant at the time of her death.

Family members alleged that Gudiya had been subjected to continuous harassment by her husband and in-laws over demands for a Bullet motorcycle and a gold chain. They stated that she had married Manish Kunwar on May 8, 2025, and that dowry had already been provided during the marriage according to the family’s financial capacity. They further alleged that the pressure for additional dowry intensified after she became pregnant.

According to the allegations, Gudiya was strangled late on Friday night, which coincided with the couple’s first wedding anniversary. After the incident, the accused family members allegedly abandoned the body and fled the house before police arrived. Local police later reached the spot, recovered the body, and sent it to the district hospital for post-mortem examination.

Police officials said an investigation had been launched into the incident. Rajesh Kumar, SDPO-2 of the area, stated that police had received information regarding the death of a newly married woman who had been married for around a year. He said initial information suggested death by hanging, and a forensic science team had been called to examine the case.

Investigators are examining all aspects of the incident, including allegations of dowry harassment, strangulation, and torture. Police said legal action would be initiated after the receipt of a formal complaint from the victim’s family. Authorities also confirmed that the husband and other members of the in-laws’ family were absconding when officers reached the village following the incident.