Medak man arrested after pregnant wife dies by suicide over DNA test demand

A 23-year-old pregnant woman died by suicide in Gadipeddapur village of Alladurg mandal in Medak district after her husband allegedly harassed her and demanded a DNA test for her unborn child. Following the incident, the local police arrested the victim's husband and mother-in-law on Saturday.

The victim, identified as G Sushmita, was five months pregnant at the time of her death. She was found dead at her residence in Gadipeddapur on the evening of June 25.

Following her death, the Alladurg police registered a case based on a complaint filed by Sushmita's mother, G Janabai. On Saturday, the police arrested Sushmita's husband, G Abhilash, and her mother-in-law, Laxmi.

According to Alladurg Sub-Inspector D Shankar, both accused individuals were produced before a magistrate and have been sent to judicial remand.

Sushmita, who was a native of Mothkupally village located in the Vikarabad district, had been married to Abhilash for about 18 months. Abhilash worked as a bangle seller in Gadipeddapur village.

In her police complaint, Janabai alleged that her daughter had been subjected to sustained physical and mental harassment by Abhilash throughout their marriage. The situation escalated severely during a family visit on June 23.

Janabai stated that she and her husband had travelled to Sushmita’s house on June 23 to discuss the traditional arrangements for their daughter's upcoming baby shower ceremony. During this visit, Abhilash reportedly started an argument regarding the ceremony.

During the dispute, Abhilash allegedly questioned the paternity of the unborn child and demanded that Sushmita undergo a DNA test. While community elders intervened during the argument to defuse the immediate tension, the demand caused severe distress to the pregnant woman. Two days later, Sushmita took her own life.