Narkatiaganj, West Champaran:
A shocking case of dowry-related murder has come to light from Pohiriya village under Narkatiaganj block in West Champaran district. A newly married woman was allegedly strangled to death, and her family has accused her husband and in-laws of killing her for dowry.
The deceased woman, identified as Afsana Khatoon (20), was married on June 28, 2024, to Masroof Ansari, a resident of Pohiriya village. According to her father Enullah, soon after the marriage, the in-laws started harassing her for dowry.
He alleged that the husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, and other relatives were demanding ₹5 lakh in cash and a motorcycle for the marriage of the husband’s sister. When the demand was not fulfilled, Afsana was mentally and physically tortured. She was often denied food and threatened with dire consequences.
The victim’s family said that a day before her death, Afsana called her parents and expressed fear for her life, stating that she was being threatened. On Monday night, she was allegedly strangled. When her family rushed to her in-laws’ house after receiving the information, they found her body lying inside the room with clear injury marks and strangulation signs on her neck.
After the incident, the husband and all the in-laws fled from the house. The victim’s father has named nine people, including the husband, in the FIR.
Shikarpur Police Station In-Charge Shyamal Kumar Singh stated that a murder case has been registered on the basis of the complaint. The body was sent for post-mortem and later handed over to the family. Police teams are continuously conducting raids to arrest the accused.
The tragic incident has created shock and anger in the area, with locals demanding strict action and speedy justice for the victim.