Pregnant 21-year-old dies by suicide after alleged dowry harassment

A 21-year-old pregnant woman, Sonali Samadhan Chandanshive, was found dead by suicide in Vadapuri, Indapur taluka, Pune district on Thursday, according to police reports. Sonali, who was five months pregnant, had allegedly faced harassment from her in-laws demanding Rs 1 lakh, following her marriage to Samadhan Gautam Chandanshive in November 2025.

The incident allegedly began when the in-laws started pressuring Sonali's maternal family for the money, which they claimed was needed for purchasing a flat. When the demanded sum was not provided, Sonali alleges that she was subjected to verbal abuse, physical violence, and was denied food. Sonali's father informed the police about the alleged harassment after she confided in him about the treatment she received at her in-laws' home.

Upon hearing the news, Sonali's body was discovered hanging at the in-laws' residence in Vadapuri, leading to her declaration of death at a nearby government hospital. The Indapur Police have registered a case against the accused, including Sonali's husband, mother-in-law, and father-in-law, under sections 80(2) (dowry death), 108 (abetment of suicide), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Inspector Vilas Nale of the Indapur Police Station stated that the police are currently investigating the matter.