She was financially supporting the household for a long time after her marriage since her husband was unemployed. Further, Shashidhar’s parents had opposed the marriage. Bhagyalakshmi was a 30-year-old government employee with an Atomic Minerals Directorate. She being a well educated and an absolutely bold woman, committed suicide in her Begumpet apartment right after her first wedding anniversary. According to reports, Shashidhar who was drunk almost every day would abuse her in a subconscious state. He had also allegedly blackmailed her, threatening to leak a few intimate videos and photographs of her. Later, Shashidhar’s family allegedly started demanding dowry.
Unable to tolerate the harassment, Bhagyalakshmi asked Shashidhar to live with her at the AMD quarters separately, however, he refused and started blackmailing her.Seven months after the marriage, Bhagyalakshmi booked a case at the Begumpet Women’s Police Station alleging harassment. However, they were sent for counseling, as per standard operating procedure. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Begumpet Women Police inspector Janakamma said, “Only after three sessions a case is registered. Two sessions were over.”
On Saturday, along with her husband, Bhagyalakshmi went to her in-laws’ house at Ghansi Bazar to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
After a tiff with her in-laws, she came back to her apartment in the afternoon. When Bhagyalakshmi did not answer the calls, her parents reportedly came to check on her in the evening and broke the door open, only to find her hanging from the ceiling fan. “He should not be allowed to touch my body or belongings. They bribed the police not to take action. Sorry mommy, daddy, Shiva,” her suicide note read as quoted by DC.
A case has been registered under section 304-B (dowry death) of IPC, against Shashidhar and his family.
