Woman ‘murdered’ over dowry demands; husband arrested

Silchar: A distressing incident has shaken the Kalakhal area of Dholai block in Cachar district, as mysterious death of a woman has led to allegations of murder linked to dowry demands. Her husband, Dilbar Hussain, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the case. Three years ago, the victim woman, Husna Begum of Bhaurikandi in Sonai married Dilbar Hussain. According to her father, Matiur Rehman Laskar, Husna endured relentless physical and emotional abuse from the outset of their marriage, with Dilbar consistently demanding dowry. Despite the birth of their child a year and a half ago, hopes of Dilbar's behaviour improving were dashed as the abuse reportedly intensified. Laskar recounted, "On Saturday afternoon, Husna telephoned, warning that she would be killed if the dowry demands were not satisfied and implored us to come and rescue her." He further mentioned, "After that call, we could no longer establish contact with her. That night, a member of her husband's household informed us that Husna had passed away." Upon reaching Kalakhal, Husna's family claimed she had been strangled and labelled the death as a deliberate murder. The family lodged an FIR with Kachudaram police outpost against Dilbar and two accomplices. Police arrested Dilbar and launched an investigation into the incident. However, the other two accused are yet to be arrested.