Woman leaps from terrace with daughter; child dies, husband arrested for dowry harassment

 

By Sumesh Rajan | August 18, 2025

Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA: A five-year-old girl died and her mother was critically injured after the woman jumped from the third-floor terrace of her house in Jaipur’s Murlipura area on Thursday August 14 night, allegedly due to dowry-related harassment. Police have arrested the woman’s husband, Ravindra Kumar (35), on charges of murder, attempted murder and dowry harassment.

According to the police, the deceased child has been identified as Priyanshi (5), while her mother, Manju Meena, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Jaipur, where her condition remains critical. The tragic episode has triggered anger in the locality, with neighbours and Manju’s family members alleging years of abuse at the hands of her husband, Ravindra Kumar (35), a property dealer residing in Reengus, Sikar.

Years of harassment and alleged dowry demands

Manju’s brother, Ajay Kumar, lodged a complaint with the Murlipura police, accusing Ravindra and his family of subjecting his sister to prolonged physical and mental torture over dowry. Despite Manju’s family providing money several times in an effort to ease tensions, the harassment allegedly continued unabated. According to the complaint, Manju had been married to Ravindra for 13 years and the couple had two children — Priyanshi and a 12-year-old son.

Family members claimed that Ravindra frequently left his wife and children at his parents’ or relatives’ home in Jaipur while he conducted his business in Sikar. During this time, Manju reportedly faced repeated abuse and financial demands from her in-laws.

The events of August 14

On the day of the incident, police said Manju had a heated argument with Ravindra over the phone. He allegedly threatened her during the call and later reached the house around 8:30 pm. Witnesses said that Manju was on the terrace with both of her children at the time.

In a state of extreme distress, she leapt from the third-floor terrace with Priyanshi in her arms. Both were rushed by neighbours to a private hospital in Murlipura. The girl was later referred to Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, where doctors declared her dead. Manju, meanwhile, was shifted back to a private facility where doctors are battling to save her life.

Allegations of murder

While initial reports suggested suicide, Manju’s brother Ajay alleged that Ravindra had pushed her from the terrace during a confrontation. Based on this statement, police have registered a case under Sections pertaining to murder, attempted murder, and dowry harassment.

Husband in custody

Ravindra Kumar was arrested late on Saturday August 16. Police said he will be interrogated further to establish the sequence of events and determine the role of other family members, if any. SHO (Murlipura) Virendra Kureel confirmed the arrest, stating: “We have taken the accused into custody on the basis of the complaint. The matter is under investigation from all angles, including allegations of dowry harassment and possible murder.”

The incident has sent shockwaves through the locality. Neighbours described Manju as a quiet woman who rarely spoke about her troubles, though some had noticed her distressed state in recent months. “She was often seen sitting alone with her children on the terrace. We never imagined things were so bad at home,” a neighbour said.

As the investigation continues, police are also recording statements of relatives and neighbours to corroborate the family’s allegations. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken if dowry harassment or foul play is confirmed.

This case once again highlights the grim reality of dowry-related violence in India, where despite laws criminalising the practice, women continue to face abuse and fatal consequences linked to monetary demands in marriage.