Pune, 4th June 2026: A shocking case of alleged dowry harassment has emerged from Chandan Nagar, where a 25-year-old married woman allegedly died by suicide after facing years of physical and mental abuse from her husband and in-laws.
The deceased has been identified as Tejaswini Gorakh Sonawane. Following a complaint filed by her father, Shamrao Balasaheb Gawali, Chandan Nagar Police have registered a case against her husband Gorakh Sambhaji Sonawane, father-in-law Sambhaji Laxman Sonawane, and mother-in-law Alka Sambhaji Sonawane.
According to the police complaint, Tejaswini married Gorakh Sonawane on June 25, 2020. While the initial period of the marriage was reportedly peaceful, her family alleged that harassment began after the birth of their daughter.
The accused allegedly demanded ₹2 lakh from her parental family to purchase a car. When the demand was not met, Tejaswini was allegedly subjected to physical assault and mental harassment. She was even sent back to her parents' home and told to return only if the money was arranged.
The complaint further states that after the birth of her daughter in November 2023, her in-laws refused to bear the delivery expenses, forcing her father to pay around ₹1 lakh towards hospital bills.
In 2024, when Tejaswini became pregnant again, her husband allegedly insisted that the sex of the unborn child be determined and indicated that she should return to the marital home only if the baby was a boy. Her family claims that the severe stress caused by this situation led to a miscarriage.
The harassment allegedly continued in 2026 when her husband demanded ₹3 lakh from her family for the purchase of a flat. When the money was not provided, Tejaswini was allegedly assaulted and prevented from maintaining contact with her parents.
The complaint also mentions an incident during the Hindu month of Adhik Maas, when Tejaswini's parents invited her husband and in-laws for a family meal. The accused allegedly demanded a gold ring before attending. Although they eventually attended the gathering, they allegedly abused and assaulted Tejaswini there as well.
On the night of June 2, 2026, Tejaswini's husband reportedly informed her father that she had locked herself inside a room and was not responding. A short while later, relatives informed the family that she had allegedly died by suicide. She was rushed to Manipal Hospital in Pune, where doctors declared her dead before admission.
Her father has alleged that continuous harassment over demands for money, a car, a flat, and gold jewellery drove his daughter to take the extreme step.
Based on the complaint, Chandan Nagar Police have registered a case against the husband and his parents and have launched further investigation into the matter.
