‘Wanted to leave, demanded dowry back’: Woman beaten to death by husband, sister-in-law in Maharashtra; both arrested

PALGHAR: The husband and sister-in-law of a 35-year-old woman were arrested on Sunday for allegedly killing her following a domestic dispute in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, police said.The incident took place in the MB Estate area of Virar West. The victim, Kalpana Soni, lived with her husband and in-laws, according to news agency PTI.According to the preliminary investigation, Kalpana married Mahesh Soni in 2015. “She was allegedly subjected to physical and mental harassment by her in-laws, which often led to arguments,” said senior inspector Prakash Kawale of Bolinj police station. Police said that during an argument on Saturday, Kalpana demanded the return of her dowry and told her family that she wanted to leave the house.“Following her demand, Mahesh and his sister Deepali Soni allegedly attacked Kalpana on the head with a sharp weapon. Neighbours rushed her to a hospital where doctors declared her dead,” Kawale said.The accused initially claimed that Kalpana died after slipping and falling in the washroom. However, doctors later confirmed that her death was caused by severe beatings. The couple’s seven-year-old daughter was not at home at the time of the incident.Based on a complaint filed by Kalpana’s maternal uncle, police registered a case of murder against Mahesh and Deepali Soni and arrested them. A local court remanded the two accused to police custody for seven days. Police said further investigation is underway.