Woman locked in room, snake set on her over dowry

 

By Sumesh Rajan | September 23, 2025

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: In a shocking case of dowry harassment, a woman in Kanpur’s Colonelganj area was allegedly locked inside a room by her in-laws, who then released a snake that bit her. The victim, Reshma, was later rescued by her sister and rushed to hospital in critical condition.

According to the complaint filed by her sister, Rizwana, the incident occurred on September 18. Reshma’s in-laws allegedly confined her in a room and let the reptile in through a drain. Late at night, the snake bit her on the leg. Despite her screams of pain, the family members reportedly stood outside the door laughing and refused to help.

Reshma somehow managed to contact Rizwana by phone. On reaching the spot, Rizwana found her sister in serious condition and immediately took her to hospital, where she remains under treatment.

Rizwana alleged that harassment had begun soon after Reshma’s marriage to Shahnawaz on March 19, 2021. Though the bride’s family had already given Rs 1.5 lakh to meet earlier demands, the in-laws allegedly continued pressuring her for an additional Rs 5 lakh.

Based on the complaint, police have registered a case against Shahnawaz, his parents, his elder brother, sister, and three others. 

The accused have been booked under charges including attempted culpable homicide of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Police said an investigation is underway and action will be taken against all those found guilty.