Woman's Death Sparks Outrage, Panel Investigates Alleged Torture

The Maharashtra State Commission for Women will investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a 20-year-old woman from Rajasthan. She was discovered hanging in her maternal uncle's residence in Baner on January 26th, following allegations of severe physical and mental torture by his family. This incident has ignited significant concern among local residents and community organizations.

The woman and her siblings had reportedly stayed with their uncle at different times, working in his medical stores. Disturbingly, her elder sister had also died by suicide in the same house back in 2016. This alarming pattern prompted community groups to petition authorities, including the state commission and police, for a thorough and gender-sensitive inquiry.

Initially, police registered the case as accidental death. However, due to public pressure and a complaint from the victim's brother, a case was filed against the uncle and aunt under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including abetment of suicide. The Baner police are coordinating with the commission and have requested an in-camera post-mortem, the report of which confirmed suicide with no external assault marks. Viscera samples have been sent for further analysis, and authorities are considering an arrest based on ongoing investigations.