Due Process
Every dowry death shocks the conscience. What is more troubling is how often such cases are explained away before the facts have been fully examined.
Another chilling dowry death case has surfaced from Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha district, days after the brutal killing of Greater Noida’s Nikki Bhati.
In Narangpur village, 32-year-old Parul, a nurse by profession, was allegedly set ablaze by her husband Devendra—a serving police constable—and his relatives over unmet dowry demands. Parul suffered critical burn injuries and was rushed to Delhi for treatment.
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Police said Devendra, recently transferred from Rampur to Bareilly, was on leave when the incident took place. A complaint filed by Parul’s brother names six accused: her husband, mother-in-law, and four male relatives—Sonu, Gajesh, Jitendra and Santosh. A case of domestic violence and attempted murder has been registered, and all six are currently absconding.
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Parul’s mother Anita recalled being alerted by neighbours early Tuesday. “When I reached, my daughter was writhing in pain, badly burnt. She was taken to the nearest hospital, but later shifted to Delhi. She is fighting for her life,” Anita said. Parul and Devendra married 13 years ago and are parents to twin children.
The case follows close on the heels of Nikki Bhati’s horrific murder in Greater Noida. Nikki, married since 2016, was allegedly doused in petrol and set on fire by her husband Vipin and in-laws after repeated dowry demands escalated. Despite having already given a Scorpio, a motorcycle, and jewellery, Nikki’s family alleged her in-laws later demanded ₹36 lakh in cash and a luxury car. Harrowing videos filmed by Nikki’s sister showed her being dragged by her hair before being engulfed in flames.
Police have arrested all four accused – Nikki’s husband Vipin, his parents, and brother.
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