Dowry Harassment Claims Surface After Death of Sonai Woman

A woman from the Rangirghat area under Sonai allegedly ended her own life following prolonged dowry harassment, according to her family. The deceased has been identified as Khadija Begum Laskar, daughter of Abdul Matlib Laskar, a resident of Rangirghat Second Part in Sonai.

Khadija was married in August 2025, as per Islamic customs, to Piyar Hussain Barbhuiya, son of Romiz Ali Barbhuiya of Narsingpur Barjalenga. According to her elder brother, Abdul Mumit Laskar, the first few months of the marriage passed peacefully. However, after three to four months, her husband and in-laws allegedly began demanding dowry and subjecting her to physical and mental harassment.

Addressing the media, Abdul Mumit Laskar alleged that he fulfilled all the dowry demands made by the family in an effort to prevent further harassment. He also claimed that his sister was repeatedly sent back to her parental home, after which the families would negotiate for her to be taken back. According to him, she had been staying at her parental home for over a month before her death, as her husband’s family had allegedly refused to take her back while continuing to pressure her over dowry.

He further said that village elders had convened mediation meetings on several occasions, but the alleged harassment continued.

Unable to bear the continued alleged harassment, Khadija is said to have taken the extreme step. Taking advantage of a moment when her two brothers were not at home, she went to a waterbody near the house. Local residents noticed her shortly afterwards and rushed her to Silchar Medical College and Hospital, but she died on the way. A post-mortem examination was conducted at the hospital.

Demanding justice for his sister, Abdul Mumit Laskar urged the authorities to take strict legal action against those allegedly responsible for her death.