After Twisha Sharma, another suspected dowry death rocks Noida

Days after the death of Noida resident Twisha Sharma triggered outrage over alleged dowry harassment, another suspected dowry death has shaken the city. A 24-year-old woman allegedly died after falling from the terrace of her house in Greater Noida’s Ecotech-III area, with her family accusing her husband and in-laws of murder over dowry demands.

The deceased, identified as Deepika, was a resident of Kudi Khera village and had been married to Hrithik, a resident of Jalpura village, for around one-and-a-half years.

Marks of physical assault

Police said the initial investigation suggests Deepika may have been assaulted before the fall. Investigating officers found injury marks and deep wounds on the body, which they said could have been caused by sharp objects such as a blade or screwdriver.

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Officials are probing whether she was beaten and pushed from the terrace to make the incident appear like suicide or an accident.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination and the report is awaited.

Dowry demands

Deepika’s uncle, Vishesh Nagar, alleged that her husband and in-laws had been demanding a Toyota Fortuner as dowry and accused them of killing her over continued harassment. According to reports, the family had also allegedly demanded Rs 51 lakh in cash.

Police have arrested Deepika’s husband Hrithik and her father-in-law Manoj in connection with the case.

According to the complaint filed by Deepika’s father, tensions had surfaced within months of the marriage due to repeated dowry demands. He alleged that despite giving Rs 11 lakh in cash, gold worth around Rs 50 lakh, furniture and a Scorpio SUV during the wedding in December 2024, the harassment continued.

‘Not a suicide’

Deepika’s father further alleged that she was subjected to both physical and mental abuse by her husband and in-laws.

On Sunday (May 17), Deepika reportedly called her family in distress and informed them that she was being assaulted by her husband and in-laws. Her father, along with relatives, reportedly visited her marital home later that evening in an attempt to resolve the dispute.

Also read: Noida dowry death case: What has happened so far

A few hours later, the family was informed that Deepika had fallen from the terrace and sustained critical injuries.

Rejecting the suicide angle, Deepika’s father has described the incident as “murder”.

Investigation underway

“Last night, information was received that a woman, who had been married for one-and-a-half years, died after jumping from a rooftop. Upon receiving the information, police immediately reached the scene. Necessary legal formalities are being completed, and the body has been sent for post-mortem,” said Shailendra Kumar Singh.