All verified Indiagram reports tagged Dowry Death, cross-referenced with BNS Section 80, IPC Section 304B, and the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961. These are cases where women died under suspicious circumstances within 7 years of marriage with evidence of dowry-related harassment.
Twisha Sharma (33) found dead at matrimonial home. Ex-judge mother-in-law and husband charged. CCTV timestamp manipulation discovered. CBI took over investigation May 2026.
Dowry death occurs when a woman dies within 7 years of marriage under circumstances indicating she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his relatives in connection with demands for dowry.
Under BNS Section 80 (formerly IPC 304B), where a woman dies by burns, bodily injury, or in abnormal circumstances within 7 years of marriage, and it is shown she was subjected to cruelty or harassment for dowry, it is a dowry death. The husband and every relative responsible shall be punishable with imprisonment for a minimum of 7 years, extendable to life.
India recorded 7,998 dowry deaths in 2023 according to NCRB data. Uttar Pradesh (2,201), Bihar (1,022), and Madhya Pradesh (691) had the highest numbers.
Under Section 113B of the Indian Evidence Act (now Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam), if it is shown that a woman was subjected to cruelty or harassment before her death, and she died within 7 years of marriage, the court shall presume it was a dowry death. The burden shifts to the accused to prove innocence — a significant departure from the usual presumption of innocence.