50 days after wedding, woman dies by suicide: Family alleges constant CCTV surveillance, harassment

Mumbai: A 26-year-old woman from Ambernath near Mumbai allegedly died by suicide less than two months after her marriage, with her family accusing her husband and in-laws of subjecting her to continuous physical and mental harassment.

Accodring to reports, the deceased, identified as Vishakha Tilkar, had married doctor Nitin Tilkar on April 30 and was living with him in Thane district.

Following her death, her relatives alleged that she had been facing abuse and constant surveillance inside her marital home.

Police have registered a case against her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law in connection with the incident.

Family claims situation changed after marriage

According to Vishakha's relatives, there were no major issues before the wedding, but tensions began to surface soon after the marriage.

Family members alleged that her in-laws were dissatisfied with the gifts and level of ‘respect’ they believed they should have received during the wedding ceremonies.

They further claimed that Vishakha was repeatedly pressured to bring money and jewellery from her parental home.

Her relatives said the demands and alleged mistreatment created a difficult environment for the young woman in the weeks following her marriage.

Allegations of constant monitoring through CCTV cameras

Among the allegations made by the family is that Vishakha's husband had installed CCTV cameras throughout the house, both inside and outside the property, and closely monitored her daily activities.

According to her relatives, the surveillance left her with virtually no privacy.

The family alleged that whenever Vishakha interacted with other people, questions would be raised about her behaviour and movements.

They claimed that she was subjected to physical violence on several occasions.

Family alleges assault before her death

Relatives further alleged that Vishakha was beaten for speaking to a female neighbour just two days before her death.

According to a family member, the harassment went beyond physical abuse and included constant emotional pressure.

The family claimed that repeated incidents of mistreatment left her distressed and emotionally exhausted.

They alleged that the cumulative effect of the abuse ultimately drove her to take the extreme step.

Vishakha had informed her mother about abuse

Before her death, Vishakha had reportedly spoken to her mother about the difficulties she was facing at her marital home.

Her family said she had shared details of the alleged abuse and harassment she was enduring.

According to relatives, her parents had already begun making arrangements to bring her back to their home after learning about her situation.

However, before that could happen, they received news that she had allegedly hanged herself.

Police register case, husband arrested

Following a complaint from the family, a case has been registered at Shivajinagar Police Station in Ambernath.

The case names Vishakha's husband Nitin Tilkar, his mother Chhaya Tilkar and his brother Ninad Tilkar.

Police have booked the three accused on charges related to mental and physical harassment as well as abetment to suicide.

An official confirmed that Nitin Tilkar has been arrested in connection with the case.

Efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend the other two accused, who remain at large.

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Vishakha's death and are examining the allegations made by her family.

Officials said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.

(Disclaimer: Suicide is not a solution. If you or someone you know is dealing with emotional difficulties or suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. The Sneha Foundation offers round-the-clock assistance at 044-24640050. You can also call iCall, a psychosocial helpline run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, at 9152987821 between 8 am and 10 pm, Monday to Saturday.)