THANE: A 26-year-old newlywed woman from Ambernath allegedly died by suicide just one-and-a-half months after her marriage, with her family accusing her doctor husband and in-laws of dowry harassment, physical abuse and constant surveillance.The deceased, Vishakha Tilkar, was found hanging at her matrimonial home on Tuesday. Based on a complaint lodged by her family, Shivajinagar police registered a case against her husband, Dr Nitin Tilkar, mother-in-law Chhaya Tilkar and brother-in-law Ninad Tilkar. The trio was arrested on Wednesday.According to the complaint, Vishakha married Dr Tilkar on April 30. Her family alleged that although the relationship was cordial before marriage, she was subjected to mental and physical harassment soon after entering her matrimonial home. The accused allegedly demanded additional gold ornaments and cash from her parents, claiming they were dissatisfied with the gifts received during the wedding.Family members further alleged that Dr Tilkar had installed CCTV cameras inside and outside the house to monitor his wife’s movements. Vishakha was allegedly questioned about her daily activities and beaten if she was seen speaking to neighbours. Two days before her death, she was allegedly assaulted by her husband for talking to a woman from the neighbourhood.According to relatives, Vishakha had informed her mother about the harassment and expressed distress over her situation. Her parents were planning to bring her back home, but before they could do so, they received news of her death on Tuesday.
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Ramesh Patil, senior police inspector of Shivajinagar police station, said, “Our preliminary investigation indicates that CCTV cameras had been installed in the house and the accused husband allegedly monitored his wife’s movements. Based on the complaint filed by the deceased’s family, we registered a case against the husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law for cruelty and abetment of suicide. All three accused have been arrested.“
