A 21-year-old vegetarian woman named Reena from Vanshiwala village, Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, died by suicide on August 20 after her husband cooked chicken against her wishes. The incident has led police to register cases of dowry death and destruction of evidence against her husband Nigam Singh, his parents, and relatives.
Reena’s family alleges dowry harassment and murder by the in-laws. Police have arrested three accused and are still searching for Reena’s body and other suspects. The investigation continues amid calls for justice and protection for women facing domestic abuse.
Dowry Harassment, Conflict, and Police Action
The tragedy began when Reena’s husband, Nigam Singh, reportedly cooked chicken despite her vegetarian beliefs. This act is said to have sparked a serious dispute between the couple. Nigam later claimed he was intoxicated and found Reena hanging at home. However, police allege a sinister cover-up involving Nigam, his brother Mahkar, and cousin Bijendra, who allegedly wrapped Reena’s body and dumped it in the Ganga river three kilometres from the village before filing a missing person report. Reena’s mother, Kaushalya, accused the in-laws of demanding dowry and harassing Reena, circumstances that allegedly contributed to her death.
Based on her complaint, police invoked sections related to dowry death and evidence destruction, arresting the three men and recovering items of evidence, including a dupatta linked to the case. Despite the arrests, efforts to locate Reena’s body and apprehend all accused continue.
Wider Context of Domestic Abuse Cases in Uttar Pradesh
Reena’s case is one among several distressing incidents in Uttar Pradesh, where dowry harassment, domestic violence, and tragic suicides persist. In Amroha district and elsewhere, families have raised concerns about delays in arresting suspects and incomplete investigations. These delays have caused considerable anger and frustration among victims’ families and civil rights groups. The police have faced criticism for not acting promptly, with some accused individuals still on the loose.
Authorities are under increasing public pressure to enforce laws more effectively and protect vulnerable women from harassment and abuse. This case coincides with other recent UP incidents involving fatal domestic disputes, underscoring ongoing societal challenges.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian strongly condemns all forms of domestic violence and dowry harassment that devastate families and claim innocent lives like Reena’s. Such tragedies underline the urgent need for societal change rooted in empathy, respect, and protection for women’s rights. It is essential to foster open dialogue within families and communities, promote non-violent conflict resolution, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Legal frameworks must be enforced rigorously, and social attitudes challenged to create safe environments where women can exercise their choices without fear.
