In a tragic recurrence of dowry-linked abuse, Deepa Pujari, a young woman from Pune, has reportedly died by suicide following alleged harassment and abuse by her husband and in-laws. The incident closely follows the recent death of Vaishnavi Hagawane, daughter-in-law of NCP leader Rajendra Hagawane, who died under similar circumstances on May 16.
Deepa’s family claims she had been facing persistent mental and physical harassment over dowry demands. Preliminary police investigations have confirmed signs of sustained abuse. Her body was discovered at her residence in Pune, and authorities have since registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), invoking sections related to dowry harassment and abetment of suicide.
The case mirrors the Vaishnavi Hagawane suicide, which highlighted shocking dowry demands allegedly involving ₹2 crore in cash, gold, and a luxury car. While arrests have been made in that case, the accused father-in-law, a political figure, remains absconding. Activists fear a similar pattern of delay and influence could affect justice in Deepa’s case.
The back-to-back deaths have triggered a wave of public outrage, with women’s rights groups and citizens demanding urgent and uncompromising enforcement of anti-dowry laws. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, who has been vocal in Vaishnavi’s case, has called for immediate policy-level interventions to prevent such tragedies and hold perpetrators accountable-regardless of their social or political status.
Deepa’s family alleges that law enforcement’s initial inaction was influenced by the socio-political standing of the accused, echoing broader concerns over systemic failures in protecting women from domestic abuse.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is currently monitoring the Vaishnavi case and is expected to extend oversight to Deepa’s case as well.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or emotional distress, help is available:
NCW Helpline: 7827170170
Connecting NGO (Pune): 1800-209-4353
