27-year-old Bengaluru techie dies by suicide, her family alleges dowry harassment by in-laws

Shilpa was married to Praveen, also a former software professional, for about two-and-a-half years. The couple has a child who is a year and six months old.

Shilpa had completed her Bachelor of Engineering and worked as a software engineer at Infosys before she got married.

Praveen, a software engineer at Oracle, resigned from his job a year after his marriage and started a food business.

According to the FIR, Praveen's family had initially demanded Rs 15 lakh in cash, 150 grams of gold jewellery and household articles at the time of marriage.

Despite fulfilling these demands, Shilpa's in-laws allegedly pressured her for additional money and valuables after the wedding.

The family has claimed that repeated taunts and mental harassment over dowry led Shilpa to take the drastic step.

Shilpa's family has also alleged that she was subjected to taunts over her skin colour.

"You are dark and not a good match for my son. Leave him, we will find him a better bride." the mother-in-law allegedly said, as per the police complaint.

The complaint further states that six months ago, Pravin's family demanded Rs 5 lakh to help with the business, which Shilpa's family eventually paid.

The police have registered a case of dowry harassment and unnatural death.

Pravin has been detained for questioning.

An assistant commissioner of police-level officer is heading the investigation and Shilpa's body was handed over to her parents after autopsy.