In a shocking dowry-related incident on September 18, 2025, in Kanpur’s Colonelganj area, a newlywed woman named Reshma was allegedly locked inside a neglected room by her in-laws who released a venomous snake through the drain. The snake bit her on the leg late at night, causing severe pain.

Despite her cries for help, her family refused assistance, mocking her plight. It was only after her sister Rizwana intervened that she was rescued and rushed to hospital for urgent treatment. The family had initially paid Rs 1.5 lakh dowry but failed to meet the escalating demand of Rs 5 lakh. Police have registered a case against seven accused family members and charged them with attempted culpable homicide and other serious offences.

Escalating Dowry Harassment Leads to Cruel Attack

Reshma married Shahnawaz from Kanpur’s Colonelganj in March 2021. Soon after marriage, her in-laws began pressuring her family for dowry payments. While Rs 1.5 lakh was given initially for household purposes, subsequent demands for an additional Rs 5 lakh went unmet, escalating tensions.

On the night of the incident, Reshma was forcibly separated from her daughter and locked in an old, unused room. The accused allegedly released a cobra snake through the room’s drain, which bit her on the leg. Her screams and pleas were met with mockery and laughter by family members outside the door, who refused to help.

Sister’s Intervention and Police Response

Reshma managed to call her sister Rizwana, who immediately rushed to the scene and rescued her. She was admitted to Government Ursala Hospital where doctors confirmed the severity of the snakebite, administering anti-venom and supportive care. Police Inspector Vineet Kumar confirmed that a First Information Report was lodged based on Rizwana’s complaint.

Charges against the accused husband, his parents, elder brother, sister, and three others include attempted culpable homicide, criminal intimidation, and dowry harassment. The Kanpur police pledged a thorough investigation and strict action while local communities voiced outrage and called for stronger enforcement of anti-dowry laws.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

This deeply troubling incident exposes the brutal consequences of dowry harassment, a social evil still prevalent in our society. It stresses the urgent need for stronger enforcement of laws and community awareness to protect women from such violence. The Logical Indian calls for compassion, legal vigilance, and social reforms that empower and safeguard women.