Telangana: Pregnant Woman Dies by Suicide After DNA Test Demand by Husband

Pregnant Woman Dies by Suicide in Telangana; Husband, Mother-in-Law Held for Alleged Harassment

A 23-year-old pregnant woman allegedly died by suicide in Telangana’s Medak district after her husband repeatedly questioned the paternity of her unborn child and allegedly demanded a DNA test, police said. Her husband and mother-in-law have since been arrested.

The deceased, identified as Sushmita, lived in Gadipeddapur village under Alladurg mandal. She had married G. Abhilash around 18 months ago and was five months pregnant at the time of the incident.

Family Alleges Mental and Physical Cruelty

According to a complaint filed by Sushmita’s mother, Janabai, the young woman had been subjected to sustained physical and mental harassment by her husband, who allegedly suspected her character. The complaint also accuses Sushmita’s mother-in-law of ill-treating her.

Janabai told police that she and her husband visited their daughter’s home on June 23 to discuss preparations for her baby shower. During the meeting, Abhilash allegedly insisted that the unborn child undergo a DNA test, leading to a heated argument in the presence of both families.

Community elders reportedly intervened and diffused the situation. However, the victim’s family alleged that the harassment did not stop. Two days later, Sushmita was found dead by suicide at her residence.

Police Arrest Two

Following the incident, police shifted the body to Sangareddy Government General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Confirming the arrests, Alladurg Police Station Sub-Inspector D. Shankar said Sushmita’s husband and mother-in-law were taken into custody, produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.

Based on the complaint lodged by the victim’s mother, police have registered a case under Sections 85 (cruelty by husband or relatives), 108 (abetment of suicide) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The investigation is continuing to ascertain the circumstances leading to Sushmita’s death.