In a heart-wrenching incident that has cast a spotlight on the pervasive issue of domestic abuse and dowry harassment, 29-year-old Anvita Sharma, a dedicated teacher at a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Delhi, was found dead in her Vasundhara residence on March 16, 2025. Her tragic death has led to the arrest of her husband, Dr. Gaurav Kaushik, and her father-in-law, Surendra Sharma, while her mother-in-law, Manju, remains at large. The Indian Express+3Pune Pulse+3TheTatva+3
A Disturbing Discovery
The incident unfolded around 1:30 PM when Dr. Kaushik and their four-year-old son were not at home. Upon receiving a distressing message from Anvita, her family attempted to contact her, but their calls went unanswered. Alarmed, they informed Dr. Kaushik, who rushed back to find the door locked from the inside. He, along with others, had to cut open the window grille to enter, only to discover Anvita’s lifeless body.
The Heartbreaking Final Message
Prior to her death, Anvita sent a poignant WhatsApp message to her parents and brother, shedding light on the torment she had been enduring. She expressed her inability to bear the constant taunts from her husband, who “found fault with everything I did,” and criticized her in-laws as a family that “only knows how to take.” She lamented, “He married my job, not me,” highlighting the transactional nature of her marriage. Anvita also accused her in-laws of desiring “a working maid” rather than a daughter-in-law and revealed that her husband had control over her bank accounts and financial matters. In a heartrending plea, she requested her parents to take care of her son, stating, “I don’t want him to become like his father.”
Allegations of Dowry Harassment
Anvita’s father, Anil Sharma, lodged a formal complaint accusing Dr. Kaushik and his family of persistent dowry harassment. He claimed to have spent approximately ₹26 lakh on the wedding, providing various household items and gold and silver jewelry to the in-laws. Additionally, he alleged that the groom’s family had demanded a car, which he fulfilled by purchasing a blue Dzire. Despite these provisions, Sharma asserted that soon after the marriage, Anvita faced physical and mental harassment from her husband, father-in-law, and mother-in-law, accompanied by continuous demands for more dowry. He further alleged that they confiscated Anvita’s salary, chequebook, and ATM cards, and subjected her to abuse when she requested their return.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Based on the complaint, the police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Dr. Kaushik, Surendra Sharma, and Manju under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. The charges include Section 498A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty), Section 304B (dowry death), Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), and relevant sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act. While Dr. Kaushik and his father have been arrested, efforts are ongoing to apprehend Manju, who is currently absconding.
A Glimpse into Anvita’s Life
Anvita and Dr. Kaushik were married on December 12, 2019, and had a four-year-old son. She had been serving as a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) in Fine Arts at Kendriya Vidyalaya Dallupura since October 2019. Despite her professional commitments and personal efforts to maintain harmony, Anvita’s messages indicate a deep sense of unfulfillment and continuous criticism from her husband and in-laws. She expressed exhaustion from pretending to be happy and highlighted the lack of appreciation for her efforts. The Indian Express+2The Times of India+2Pune Pulse+2The Indian Express+2Pune Pulse+2The Times of India+2
A Tragic Reflection of Societal Issues
This incident underscores the persistent issues of dowry harassment and domestic abuse in India. Despite legal frameworks like the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, such practices continue to plague society, leading to tragic outcomes. Anvita’s death serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for societal change and stricter enforcement of laws to protect individuals from such exploitation and abuse.
The Road Ahead
As the investigation progresses, it is imperative for law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial probe to ensure justice for Anvita. This case also calls for introspection within society to address and eradicate the deep-rooted issues of dowry and domestic abuse. Educational campaigns, community support systems, and stringent legal actions are essential to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Anvita’s untimely death has not only brought immense grief to her family but has also highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by many in similar situations. It is a clarion call for collective action to create a safer and more equitable environment for all.
