Tragic Dowry Case: Karnataka Man Murders Wife Four Months After Marriage, Highlighting India's Growing Dowry Crime Statistics

In a disturbing incident in Karnataka's Belagavi, a man allegedly murdered his wife merely four months after their wedding, concealed her body under their bed, and disappeared from the scene.

The victim, 20-year-old Sakshi Kambar, was discovered by her mother-in-law who had returned home from visiting her native village. According to police sources, the accused, Akash Kambar, had killed his wife approximately three days prior to the discovery and subsequently fled. Investigators noted that Akash's mobile phone has remained switched off since the time of the murder.

Law enforcement officials have registered a case and initiated an extensive search operation to locate Akash. While investigators are still working to determine the exact motive behind this heinous crime, Sakshi's family members have alleged that dowry harassment was the underlying cause.

This tragic case emerges shortly after another incident in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri, where a pregnant woman was reportedly beaten to death by her husband and in-laws over dowry demands.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics, dowry-related crimes increased by 14 percent in 2023, with more than 15,000 cases documented nationwide and over 6,100 deaths reported during that year. The NCRB's 'Crime in India 2023' report indicated that 15,489 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act in 2023, representing an increase from 13,479 cases in 2022 and 13,568 cases in 2021.

Karnataka ranks as the third highest state for dowry cases in India, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar occupying the top positions on this troubling list.