Unveiling Dowry Deaths: A Closer Look

Marriage is a big deal in society. It should be a happy event, but for many women in India, it brings trouble. The dowry system, where the bride's family gives money or gifts to the groom's family, is still common. Some people think it's okay, even if it causes harm. This study looked at women who died because of dowry demands. The study happened in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from April 2021 to March 2022. Doctors checked 3840 dead bodies. Out of these, 225 were women of childbearing age, and 12 deaths were linked to dowry. Most of these women were young, between 16 and 26 years old. They were housewives, Hindus, and from middle-class families. They didn't have professional jobs and lived in joint or nuclear families. Both rural and urban areas were affected. The marriages were usually arranged and didn't last long. Many women died from burn injuries, a common sign of homicide. The deaths often happened at the in-laws' or husband's house. In-laws and husbands were often the culprits, either killing the women directly or making them end their own lives due to dowry demands and bad treatment. Several factors increased the risk of dowry deaths. These include women's education level, family structure, marriage dynamics, husband's employment, women's dependency, and societal conditions. To stop this, laws against dowry should be strictly enforced. Women should have more education and job opportunities. Their overall socioeconomic status needs to improve.