Agartala: April 26: In an alarming incident from North Tripura’s Gobindpur, the tragic death of a young woman named Monica Shukla Baidya has exposed the grim realities of dowry-related abuse in India. Married for just three months to Shanku Shukla Baidya, an Indian Army personnel, Monica became a victim of relentless harassment that ultimately led her to make an irreversible decision.
The plight began when Monica’s in-laws began demanding a dowry of ₹2 lakh, a common but devastating practice that continues to plague many families across the country. Monica endured severe abuse from her in-laws, who, fueled by their greed, subjected her to emotional and physical torment. This distressing environment forced her to return to her parents’ home, even while she was pregnant.
After the birth of her son, Monica was not given the respite she deserved. Instead of being supported, she faced continued pressure and was coerced back to her husband’s home through mediation efforts. It was here that she stumbled upon the horrifying truth of her husband’s infidelity, leading to further emotional trauma and abuse. Each time she returned home, it was clear that her safety and wellbeing were not the priority, but rather the compliance expected from her in a patriarchal society.
On April 18, the situation escalated horrifyingly when Shanku, alongside another individual, confronted and assaulted Monica at her parents’ residence. Feeling cornered and humiliated, Monica made the tragic decision to end her life by throwing herself in front of a train. The railway police later recovered her body and handed it over to the local hospital. The family’s grief was compounded by the profound loss, and her mother has bravely filed a case against her in-laws, seeking justice for the abuse Monica endured.
This incident not only highlights the individual tragedy of Monica but also exposes a societal plague that needs urgent attention. The depths of her situation reflect a grim reality for many women in similar circumstances—caught in a cycle of abuse, the weight of societal expectations, and the suffocating grip of dowry demands. The harsh truth is that many families still adhere to the notion that a daughter’s worth can be measured in cash, leading to devastating consequences.
Moreover, one cannot overlook the heartbreaking future of Monica’s two-year-old son, who is left without his mother and the nurturing he requires due to the circumstances beyond his control. The investigation into Monica’s death is ongoing, and one can only hope it leads to tangible accountability for those who sought to diminish her life to mere monetary worth.
This tragedy serves as a critical reminder of the need for societal change and stricter enforcement of laws against dowry-related abuse and violence. Education and awareness are paramount in dismantling these longstanding traditions that not only harm women but also destroy families. As the community grapples with this loss, it is crucial that the conversation around dowry and domestic abuse
