A 28-year-old woman, Akriti Sutar, was discovered dead in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony just two months after her marriage. Her family claims she was murdered following alleged dowry-related harassment by her in-laws. Akriti, who had married Arastu Sikka, was found deceased after what preliminary findings suggest may have been a fall from a building.
Akriti, who went to work on the day of her death after a few days off, exhibited no signs of distress according to her family. They mentioned she seemed cheerful and even hosted a small gathering for her colleagues. Despite her family’s denial of suicide, the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear.
Family members reported that Akriti appeared normal during a phone call with her mother on the day of her death. She mentioned the office gathering and her plans to head home, showing no signs of trouble. Her husband, Arastu Sikka, later informed the family of her disappearance before authorities found a woman’s body in Lodhi Colony.
The family alleges that Akriti had been enduring persistent dowry-related harassment since her marriage. They claimed that her in-laws demanded Rs 20 lakh, threatened her, and mistreated her. The family also stated that Arastu had threatened Akriti’s life on multiple occasions, with a serious argument occurring just days before her death.
Akriti and Arastu, who had been in a relationship for eight years before marrying, were facing challenges as Arastu is currently unemployed. Police are investigating the case, considering all aspects, including the family’s allegations.
