A tragic incident in Bengaluru has drawn attention to dowry harassment after 27-year-old techie Shilpa Panchangamath allegedly died by suicide in her home at Suddaguntepalya. Shilpa, an engineering graduate working in the software sector, had married Praveen in 2022. The couple lived in BTM Layout with their young son. According to her family, despite giving ₹35 lakh and gold at the time of marriage, Praveen’s family continued to demand more money, leading to constant harassment.

Reports allege that Shilpa was taunted by her mother-in-law for her skin colour and was told she was “too dark” for Praveen. Her in-laws reportedly pressured her family for an additional ₹5 lakh to support Praveen’s business. When the demand wasn’t met, Shilpa was allegedly assaulted and sent back to her parents. Although the money was later given, the harassment did not stop.

On August 26, Shilpa’s family was informed of her death. Police arrested Praveen and booked him under Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for dowry death. The case follows closely after the Noida dowry death of Nikki Bhati, sparking outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against dowry practices and abuse of women.