Aarati Sah, a 22-year-old woman from Dhanusha, died under suspicious circumstances on May 21. Her family has accused her husband’s family of beating Aarati to death for not bringing enough dowry.

Motibabu Sah of Thapa Chowk in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City-9 and Aarati of Nagarain Municipality-8 were married around two years ago. Theirs was an arranged marriage and Binod Sah, Aarati’s father, alleges his son-in-law and his family killed Aarati for not bringing enough dowry.

Motibabu’s family said Aarati was rescued and rushed to the hospital immediately after she was found hanging at home. She was pronounced dead at Kavya Hospital.

On Tuesday, Aarati’s relatives and well-wishers resorted to vandalism in Janakpur. The protesters hurled stones at the Dhanusha district court while the custodial hearing of the victim’s husband and father-in-law was underway at the court.

Motibabu and his father Madan Sah were taken into police custody a few days ago for investigation into the case.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Prasad Gautam, scores of Aarati’s supporters attempted to barge into the court demanding the ‘death penalty’ for the suspects. “The security personnel were compelled to use force after the enraged protesters hurled stones and attempted to enter the court compound,” said Gautam.

A protester was taken into custody.

Police resorted to baton charges in which four demonstrators sustained injuries. A female police officer was also injured in the violent clash.

The supporters of deceased Sah have been staging demonstrations in Janakpur as well as in Kathmandu demanding justice for the victim and strong action against the guilty. They accuse the police of not investigating the case sincerely with the intention to free the suspects.

https://kathmandupost.com/province-no-2/2023/06/21/kin-demand-justice-as-woman-s-death-raises-suspicion