A 26-year-old pregnant woman in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has died after allegedly being assaulted and forced to drink acid by her husband over dowry demands, police said. The victim, identified as Nisha Rathore, was two months pregnant and had been undergoing treatment at Jayarogya Hospital since June 22 before she died on Wednesday.
According to police, Nisha had recorded a video before her death in which she accused her husband, Gajendra Rathore, of physically abusing her for several days and forcing her to consume acid after she resisted.
In the video, Nisha said, “For the last three-four days, he kept beating and torturing me. When I resisted, he forced me to drink acid.” Police are now examining the authenticity of the video as part of the investigation.
Dowry Demand for Loading Vehicle Alleged
Nisha’s family has alleged that she was facing harassment since her marriage in May 2022. Her mother, Sunita Rathore, claimed that her husband and in-laws repeatedly demanded dowry, including a loading vehicle, and subjected her to regular violence.
Her family also alleged that this was not the first time Nisha had been attacked. According to them, there had been an earlier attempt to burn her alive, and she had filed a complaint at the police station in December 2023 over dowry harassment and assault.
At that time, police said, Gajendra had given a written assurance that he would not repeat such acts.
Family Found Her in Pain at Home
Relatives said they were informed by Nisha’s in-laws that her condition had worsened. When her father and other family members reached her house in Narayan Vihar Colony, they found her in severe pain and rushed her to hospital, claiming her in-laws had not arranged medical help.
Police have registered a case of unnatural death and sent the body for post-mortem. Officials said the pregnancy will be confirmed through medical examination.
