Dowry allegations surface as pregnant woman found dead in Bengaluru; techie-turned vendor husband held

Bengaluru: A former software engineer-turned-pani puri vendor has been arrested by the Sadduguntepalya Police following the suspicious death of his pregnant wife at their residence in BTM Layout. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has sparked serious allegations of dowry harassment and murder from the woman’s family.

The accused, identified as Praveen, had been married to 27-year-old Shilpa B. Panchangamatha since 2022. The couple had a two-year-old son, and Shilpa was expecting their second child at the time of her death. Both Praveen and Shilpa had previously worked in the tech industry. However, within a year of their marriage, Praveen left his software job to start a pani puri business, while Shilpa gave up her career after the birth of their first child.

According to police reports, Shilpa was found dead in their home under circumstances her family describe as highly suspicious. Her mother, Sharada, and sister, Soumya, claim they were initially told by Praveen’s family that she had died of a heart attack. This version of events later changed, with claims that she had taken her own life.

The family allege that Shilpa’s body had been moved and placed on the bed by Praveen and his relatives before the authorities arrived, raising further questions about the scene of the death. Sharada and Soumya have accused Praveen and his mother of being directly involved in Shilpa’s death, claiming that she had faced ongoing harassment related to dowry demands.

“Praveen’s mother Shantavva also abused my daughter and insulted her constantly. Unable to bear the torture, Shilpa had come to our home four months ago, but we helped her reconcile with Praveen and his family, before sending her back. Once, I had given her ₹5 lakh cash before she returned home to Praveen,” Sharada said in her complaint.

Police have since taken Praveen into custody as part of their investigation, and an autopsy is expected to clarify the cause of death. Authorities have not yet ruled out the possibility of foul play, and inquiries are ongoing.