{"id":616,"date":"2025-09-03T10:46:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T10:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/?p=616"},"modified":"2025-09-03T10:49:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T10:49:21","slug":"dowry-deaths-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/dowry-deaths-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Dowry Deaths in India: 20 Women Lost Every Day to This Social Evil"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On a warm August evening in Greater Noida, 28-year-old <strong>Nikki Bhati<\/strong> was rushed to a hospital with severe burn injuries. Within hours, she succumbed to her wounds. Her family alleged that she was set ablaze by her husband and in-laws after their demands for an additional dowry \u20b936 lakh in cash and a luxury car were not met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes Nikki\u2019s case even more chilling is that her family had already given what many would consider excessive <strong>a Scorpio SUV, a motorcycle, and gold jewellery<\/strong> at the time of her marriage. Yet, greed has no limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite being outlawed in India for over <strong>six decades<\/strong>, dowry-related violence continues to claim <strong>thousands of lives every year<\/strong>. It\u2019s a dark stain on our society, an ancient custom weaponised into a tool of harassment, extortion, and even murder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not an isolated tragedy it is part of a larger, disturbing pattern that refuses to die down, even in modern India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-b5e74c95 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<p><strong>You might like:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/role-of-social-media-in-grief-and-remembrance\/\">The Role of Social Media in Grief and Remembrance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/help-kids-cope-with-grief-a-parents-guide\/\">How to Help Kids Cope with Grief: A Parent\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/how-to-create-a-meaningful-online-memorial-a-step-by-step-guide\/\">How to Create a Meaningful Online Memorial: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Persistence of Dowry in Modern India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dowry was originally meant as a gift a way for parents to provide for their daughter as she began a new life with her husband. Over time, however, it transformed into an <strong>unwritten demand<\/strong>, often turning into open extortion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even with the <strong>Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961<\/strong>, which criminalised the giving and taking of dowry, the practice thrives. Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Social pressure<\/strong>: Many families fear that if they don\u2019t comply, their daughter will be mistreated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Status symbol<\/strong>: In some communities, lavish dowries are flaunted as a marker of wealth and prestige.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gender inequality<\/strong>: Deep-rooted patriarchy views daughters as financial liabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The ugly truth is that in many households, dowry is not a cultural relic it\u2019s a calculated transaction, a negotiation with human lives at stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recent Shocking Cases That Made Headlines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the Nikki Bhati case from Uttar Pradesh has dominated headlines recently, similar stories unfold across India every month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Nikki Bhati Tragedy \u2013 Uttar Pradesh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nikki\u2019s death sparked outrage not only because of its brutality but also because of an <strong>undated video<\/strong> that surfaced showing her husband beating her, allegedly over dowry. Her death became a rallying point for women\u2019s rights activists demanding stricter action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh \u2013 April 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A woman was allegedly <strong>burned alive<\/strong> by her husband and in-laws for failing to bring a motorcycle and gold jewellery. The horror of this case barely made it beyond local news, but it mirrors thousands of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Tamil Nadu \u2013 Ridhanya\u2019s Death<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just two months after her wedding, <strong>Ridhanya<\/strong>, a newlywed, died by suicide. Despite receiving <strong>800 grams of gold and a Volvo car worth \u20b970 lakh<\/strong>, her in-laws allegedly harassed her for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Rajasthan \u2013 Teacher and Daughter\u2019s Death<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Jodhpur, a school teacher reportedly set herself and her <strong>three-year-old daughter<\/strong> on fire after enduring years of dowry-related harassment. This case highlights how such abuse can destroy entire families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of these tragedies is not merely a statistic it\u2019s a reminder of lives lost, dreams crushed, and families shattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Alarming Numbers: NCRB Data Tells a Grim Story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncrb.gov.in\/?utm_source=missone.in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>6,450 dowry deaths<\/strong> were reported in 2022.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On average, <strong>20 women die every day<\/strong> due to dowry-related violence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Between <strong>2017 and 2022<\/strong>, <strong>35,493 dowry death cases<\/strong> were recorded nearly <strong>6,000 cases annually<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While there is a slow decline from <strong>7,466 cases in 2017<\/strong> to <strong>6,450 in 2022<\/strong> experts warn that <strong>underreporting<\/strong> remains rampant due to <strong>social stigma, family pressure, and fear of retaliation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">States with the Highest Numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dowry deaths are not evenly spread across India. The five states that account for nearly <strong>70%<\/strong> of cases are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> \u2013 2,138 cases in 2022 (about one-third of the total)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bihar<\/strong> \u2013 1,057 cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong> \u2013 518 cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rajasthan<\/strong> \u2013 447 cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>West Bengal<\/strong> \u2013 384 cases<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urban vs Rural<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While dowry deaths are more common in rural areas, cities are far from immune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Delhi<\/strong> reported the highest number of dowry deaths among metro cities from 2017\u20132022.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other hotspots include <strong>Kanpur, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Patna<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"685\" height=\"336\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India.jpg\" alt=\"Dowry Deaths in India\" class=\"wp-image-633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India.jpg 685w, https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India-300x147.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Investigation &amp; Conviction Gap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most distressing aspects of dowry death cases is the <strong>low conviction rate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Of around <strong>7,000 cases<\/strong> reported annually, only about <strong>4,500 are charge-sheeted<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>67%<\/strong> of pending cases at the end of 2022 had been under investigation for <strong>over six months<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Out of <strong>6,500 cases<\/strong> sent for trial each year, only <strong>~100 lead to convictions<\/strong> less than <strong>2%<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As of December 2022, <strong>over 60,000 cases<\/strong> were pending in courts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why So Few Convictions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Supreme Court lawyer <strong>Seema Kushwaha<\/strong> points to several reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Groom\u2019s families often claim the dowry items were \u201cgifts, not demands.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fear of social stigma discourages witnesses from testifying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Narratives around the \u201cmisuse\u201d of dowry laws dilute genuine cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The result? Many culprits walk free, while victims\u2019 families are left without justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Legal Framework<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Indian law has provisions to combat dowry-related crimes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Makes giving or taking dowry a punishable offence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Penalty: <strong>5 years imprisonment<\/strong> + fine of \u20b915,000 or the value of the dowry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Section 304B IPC (Now Section 80 BNS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Covers <strong>dowry deaths<\/strong> where a woman dies under unnatural circumstances within 7 years of marriage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Punishment: <strong>7 years to life imprisonment<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Section 498A IPC (Now Section 85 BNS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deals with cruelty by husband or relatives, including dowry harassment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Includes mental and physical harm or harassment with intent to obtain dowry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While these laws are strong on paper, <strong>loopholes, slow trials, and social complicity<\/strong> make enforcement weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the Problem Persists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even with laws in place, dowry deaths remain common because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Patriarchal mindset<\/strong>: Women are still seen as burdens in many communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic greed<\/strong>: Marriages are treated as opportunities for wealth accumulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fear of divorce or abandonment<\/strong>: Many women tolerate harassment to avoid social shame.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pressure to stay silent<\/strong>: Families discourage women from speaking out to \u201csave face.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Psychological &amp; Social Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dowry harassment is not just a legal issue it\u2019s a <strong>mental health crisis<\/strong>. Victims often suffer from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Severe depression and anxiety<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Isolation from their natal families<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Loss of self-worth<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increased risk of suicide<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Children in such homes grow up witnessing violence, leading to long-term trauma and an unhealthy perception of marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Way Forward: Stopping the Cycle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ending dowry deaths requires <strong>both legal and cultural change<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Stricter Law Enforcement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fast-track courts for dowry death cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Witness protection programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Public Awareness Campaigns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nationwide campaigns similar to <strong>Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community-level education on women\u2019s rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Empowering Women<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financial independence through skill development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraging women to speak up without fear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Role of NGOs &amp; Media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NGOs can offer counselling, legal help, and shelter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Media can shed light on cases that would otherwise be buried.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: A Call for Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dowry deaths are not just \u201cfamily matters\u201d they are <strong>crimes against humanity<\/strong>. Every statistic hides a story of betrayal, abuse, and tragedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We must stop treating dowry as a \u201ctradition\u201d and recognise it for what it is: <strong>a social evil that kills<\/strong>. It will take a combined effort lawmakers, law enforcers, communities, and individuals to break this cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next time we hear of a dowry death, let\u2019s not dismiss it as \u201cjust another case.\u201d It could be our neighbour, our friend, our sister.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Change begins when silence ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs on Dowry Deaths in India<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-507b0e40 uagb-faq-icon-row-reverse uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-true uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.missone.in\\\/blog\\\/dowry-deaths-in-india\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"1. What is considered a dowry death in India?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A dowry death occurs when a married woman dies under unnatural circumstances such as burns, poisoning, or suicide within <strong>seven years of marriage<\\\/strong>, and it is proven that she was harassed by her husband or his family for dowry. This is covered under <strong>Section 304B IPC<\\\/strong> (now Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"2. How many dowry deaths occur in India every year?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"According to the <strong>National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)<\\\/strong>, <strong>6,450 dowry deaths<\\\/strong> were reported in 2022, meaning on average <strong>20 women die every day<\\\/strong> due to dowry-related violence. The actual number may be higher because many cases go unreported.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"3. Which state has the highest number of dowry deaths?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<strong>Uttar Pradesh<\\\/strong> consistently records the highest number of dowry deaths in India. In 2022, it reported <strong>2,138 cases<\\\/strong>, which is nearly one-third of the national total. Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal follow.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"4. What is the punishment for dowry death in India?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Under <strong>Section 304B IPC<\\\/strong> (Section 80 BNS), dowry death is punishable with <strong>a minimum of seven years imprisonment<\\\/strong>, which can be extended to <strong>life imprisonment<\\\/strong>.<br>Additionally, the <strong>Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961<\\\/strong> makes the giving or taking of dowry a punishable offence.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"5. Why is the conviction rate so low in dowry death cases?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The conviction rate is less than <strong>2%<\\\/strong> due to:<br>Families of the accused claiming dowry items were \\u201cgifts.\\u201d<br>Lack of witnesses willing to testify.<br>Delays in investigation and court proceedings.<br>Social stigma and pressure on the victim\\u2019s family to settle the matter privately.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"6. What should someone do if they are facing dowry harassment?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<strong>Immediately contact local police<\\\/strong> and file an FIR under <strong>Section 498A IPC<\\\/strong> (Section 85 BNS).<br><strong>Reach out to women\\u2019s helplines<\\\/strong> such as <strong>181<\\\/strong> or the National Commission for Women.<br><strong>Consult a lawyer<\\\/strong> or approach an NGO for legal aid and protection.<br><strong>Document evidence<\\\/strong> such as messages, audio recordings, and photographs.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"7. How can society help in reducing dowry deaths?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Refuse to give or take dowry in any form.<br>Report dowry demands to authorities.<br>Educate young people about gender equality and women\\u2019s rights.<br>Support victims through community awareness and financial independence programs.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is FAQ?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.\"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-9367d327 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"uagb-question\">1. What is considered a dowry death in India?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>A dowry death occurs when a married woman dies under unnatural circumstances such as burns, poisoning, or suicide within <strong>seven years of marriage<\/strong>, and it is proven that she was harassed by her husband or his family for dowry. This is covered under <strong>Section 304B IPC<\/strong> (now Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-de0bfbc7 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"uagb-question\">2. How many dowry deaths occur in India every year?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>According to the <strong>National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)<\/strong>, <strong>6,450 dowry deaths<\/strong> were reported in 2022, meaning on average <strong>20 women die every day<\/strong> due to dowry-related violence. The actual number may be higher because many cases go unreported.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-bde4edbb \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"uagb-question\">3. Which state has the highest number of dowry deaths?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p><strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> consistently records the highest number of dowry deaths in India. In 2022, it reported <strong>2,138 cases<\/strong>, which is nearly one-third of the national total. Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal follow.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-1f3dcfe6 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"uagb-question\">4. What is the punishment for dowry death in India?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Under <strong>Section 304B IPC<\/strong> (Section 80 BNS), dowry death is punishable with <strong>a minimum of seven years imprisonment<\/strong>, which can be extended to <strong>life imprisonment<\/strong>.<br>Additionally, the <strong>Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961<\/strong> makes the giving or taking of dowry a punishable offence.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-75b012b8 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"uagb-question\">5. Why is the conviction rate so low in dowry death cases?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The conviction rate is less than <strong>2%<\/strong> due to:<br>Families of the accused claiming dowry items were \u201cgifts.\u201d<br>Lack of witnesses willing to testify.<br>Delays in investigation and court proceedings.<br>Social stigma and pressure on the victim\u2019s family to settle the matter privately.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-afe52e46 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"uagb-question\">6. What should someone do if they are facing dowry harassment?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p><strong>Immediately contact local police<\/strong> and file an FIR under <strong>Section 498A IPC<\/strong> (Section 85 BNS).<br><strong>Reach out to women\u2019s helplines<\/strong> such as <strong>181<\/strong> or the National Commission for Women.<br><strong>Consult a lawyer<\/strong> or approach an NGO for legal aid and protection.<br><strong>Document evidence<\/strong> such as messages, audio recordings, and photographs.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-82f9082f \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"uagb-question\">7. How can society help in reducing dowry deaths?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Refuse to give or take dowry in any form.<br>Report dowry demands to authorities.<br>Educate young people about gender equality and women\u2019s rights.<br>Support victims through community awareness and financial independence programs.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-24609444 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"uagb-question\">What is FAQ?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On a warm August evening in Greater Noida, 28-year-old Nikki Bhati was rushed to a hospital with severe burn injuries. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":632,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India-20-Women-Lost-Every-Day-to-This-Social-Evil.webp",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India-20-Women-Lost-Every-Day-to-This-Social-Evil-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India-20-Women-Lost-Every-Day-to-This-Social-Evil-300x200.webp",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India-20-Women-Lost-Every-Day-to-This-Social-Evil-768x512.webp",640,427,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India-20-Women-Lost-Every-Day-to-This-Social-Evil-1024x683.webp",640,427,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India-20-Women-Lost-Every-Day-to-This-Social-Evil.webp",1200,800,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Dowry-Deaths-in-India-20-Women-Lost-Every-Day-to-This-Social-Evil.webp",1200,800,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"MissOne","author_link":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/author\/missone\/"},"uagb_comment_info":22,"uagb_excerpt":"On a warm August evening in Greater Noida, 28-year-old Nikki Bhati was rushed to a hospital with severe burn injuries. [&hellip;]","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=616"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":635,"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616\/revisions\/635"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missone.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}