Borivli woman jumps to death, in-laws, husband held

The Borivli police on Tuesday arrested a Belgium- based diamond merchant and his parents for allegedly abetting the suicide of his 26-year-old wife by harassing her for dowry.

The Borivli police on Tuesday arrested a Belgium- based diamond merchant and his parents for allegedly abetting the suicide of his 26-year-old wife by harassing her for dowry.

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The deceased Bhakti Shah, 26, had returned from Belgium with her husband Tejas seven months back.

She allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday afternoon by jumping off the fourth floor of the building she was residing in with her husband and in-laws. After recording the statement of Bhakti's family members, the Borivli police registered a case of abetment to suicide and dowry harassment in addition to relevant sections of the Dowry Act.

The incident took place around 9.20am on Tuesday in Mangalkunj building at Borivli. After the watchman heard a loud thud, he rushed to the spot and found Bhakti lying in a pool of blood. He informed her in-laws and rushed her to Patel nursing home located on the ground floor of the same building, said the police.

After Bhakti's condition did not improve, she was taken to Kokilaben Ambani hospital in Andheri, where she died while under treatment for multiple fractures and internal bleeding.

Tejas Shah and his parents Vasantbhai Shah and Sulsha Shah were arrested for abetting Bhakti's suicide by harassing her for dowry, said Ramrao Pawar, additional commissioner of police (North Region).

Bhakti, who was married to Tejas for three years, delivered a baby boy five months back. Bhakti's father is also a diamond merchant and resides at Vile Parle with his family.

Bhakti reportedly had an argument with Tejas early Tuesday morning. The victim's parents told the police their daughter was under stress since the past few months due to harassment for dowry.