KATHMANDU: A 25-year-old woman in Dhanusha District was found dead at her residence, with her family alleging prolonged domestic abuse related to childlessness.
The deceased, identified as Bibha Yadav, was discovered dead her home in Ganeshman Charnath Municipality–4 on Tuesday afternoon. She was the wife of Mukesh Dhankoti Yadav, a teacher at a private school.
According to relatives, the couple had eloped and married around six years ago after being in a relationship. However, Bibha had allegedly been subjected to repeated physical and mental abuse by her husband and in-laws over the couple’s inability to have a child.
Her family claims the prolonged abuse ultimately led to her death.
Family alleges sustained abuse
Speaking to Khabarhub, the victim’s brother, Manish Kumar, said Bibha had endured violence for years but remained silent about it.
“Despite being a teacher, my brother-in-law used to physically and mentally torture my sister,” he said. “Since she had married by her own choice, she quietly tolerated everything without telling us, fearing it would break the family.”
Manish said the family believes she may have taken her own life but alleged that the circumstances leading to it were created by her husband and in-laws.
“She might have taken the step herself, but those who pushed her to the point where she could no longer live must be held accountable,” he said, demanding strict legal action for abetment to suicide.
The family also claimed bruises were visible on Bibha’s body, raising suspicions that the case might involve foul play.
Husband arrested
Following a complaint filed by the family accusing Mukesh Dhankoti Yadav of abetment to suicide, police have arrested him and launched an investigation.
According to Ganesh Bam, spokesperson for the Nepal Police in Dhanusha, the arrest was made based on the complaint filed by the victim’s family.
“We have registered a case of abetment to suicide and are currently investigating the incident,” Bam said.
Events before the incident
Manish said he had received a phone call around 2 a.m. from his brother-in-law the night before the incident but was unaware of it at the time.
The following day, he received calls from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as a relative of Mukesh and warned him that there had been serious disputes between the couple.
The caller allegedly told him to advise his sister, warning that something could happen to her if the situation continued.
Concerned by the repeated threats, the family decided to visit Bibha’s home to talk with her and possibly bring her back to her maternal home for a few days.
When they arrived near Birendra Bazaar Chowk, they encountered Mukesh on the way and decided to go to the house together.
Manish said Mukesh told them Bibha had not eaten anything. The family even bought food to take to her.
Upon reaching the house around 3:30 p.m., family members called out to Bibha several times but received no response.
A relative in the house reportedly said she was upstairs. When Manish looked through the window of the room, he saw Bibha hanging from the ceiling with a scarf tied around her neck.
“We found her hanging. I immediately called my brother-in-law,” he said.
According to the family, Mukesh and his relatives cut the rope before police arrived and rushed her to a hospital in Janakpur on a motorcycle.
Doctors at Ram Janaki Hospital later declared her dead.
Legal provisions
Under Section 185 of the National Criminal Code 2017, abetment to suicide is a criminal offence in Nepal.
The law states that no person shall instigate, encourage or create circumstances leading someone to commit suicide. Those found guilty can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 50,000.
Police say the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
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