Techie-Turned Panipuri Seller Arrested for Allegedly Causing Wife's Suicide Over Dowry Demands

A former software engineer was arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly causing his wife's suicide due to dowry harassment. The case raises awareness about domestic abuse and dowry-related violence.

A man who left his software job to start a panipuri business was detained on Thursday. He is accused of driving his 27-year-old wife to take her own life at their home in Suddaguntepalya, according to police reports. The woman, Shilpa Panchangamath, was discovered dead on Tuesday night. Her mother, Sharada, filed a complaint alleging dowry harassment.

Shilpa married Praveen, the son of the late Shambulingaiah from Vaddarahatti village in Gangavati taluk, on December 5, 2022. The family claimed they spent approximately Rs 35 lakh on the wedding and provided 150 grams of gold to Praveen. After their marriage, the couple resided in BTM Layout.

Dowry Harassment Allegations

Praveen had previously worked at Oracle in Whitefield but left his position to pursue a panipuri business. The couple has a son named Vihaan. The complaint alleged that Praveen and his mother, Shantavva, subjected Shilpa to mental and physical harassment for money, demanding Rs 5 lakh for his business venture.

When the financial demand was not fulfilled, Shilpa was reportedly assaulted and sent back to her parents' home. Sharada eventually managed to gather the money and sent her daughter back to Praveen's house. However, the harassment allegedly persisted.

Tragic Incident and Investigation

A quarrel reportedly erupted four months ago during discussions about Shilpa’s baby shower. On August 26, the family received news that Shilpa had died by suicide. Upon arriving at her residence, they found her lifeless body on the bed, covered with a sheet.

Following Sharada's complaint, police arrested Praveen. An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing to uncover further details surrounding the case.

With inputs from PTI