Family of Sunita Yadav, who died while undergoing treatment in Kathmandu, have claimed that she died of assault injuries inflicted by her husband and in-laws for not bringing enough dowry.

Forty-three-year-old Sunita, a resident of Harpatganj in Birgunj, died at the TU Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu on Friday. She was brought to the hospital on Monday with bruises and burn marks all over her body.

Sunita was allegedly assaulted by her husband Dr Sachitananda Yadav of Narayani Hospital on last Wednesday.

Her family has filed a murder case against Sachitananda and his parents.

Sunita was the first wife of Sachitananda. The couple had married 15 years ago.

During their wedding, Sachitananda’s parents had demanded Rs 2 million in dowry.

Sunita’s brother Santosh said the same dowry money was used to pay for Sachitananda’s medical studies.

“Besides paying the dowry sum, my family also used to provide daily essentials to Sachitananda’s family. Despite all these help and support, my sister used to be abused and tortured for not bringing a handsome dowry,” he said.

 On Saturday, Birgunj residents organised a rally, demanding authorities to provide justice to Sunita.

They were galvanised by a photo of injured Sunita which was shared on various social networking platforms.

Sushma Dwivedi, a social campaigner, said that voices should be raised from every quarter to end domestic violence in the country.

SP Rewati Dhakal said police will proceed its investigation based on the post mortem report.

Sachitananda, who is in police custody, has denied assaulting Sunita and taking dowry from her parents.