Bride Found Dead in Lucknow: Husband Arrested Amid Dowry, Assault, and Forced Abortion Allegations

LUCKNOW—Her husband, Anurag Singh, has been arrested after her family accused him of dowry harassment, domestic violence, and even forcing her to undergo an abortion.

Madhu’s body was discovered hanging from the ceiling on August 4. While the post-mortem confirmed death by hanging, her family insists it was not suicide but a case of murder. Police say Anurag, a second officer with a Hong Kong-based shipping firm, phoned emergency services around noon — yet Madhu’s family was not informed until nearly five hours later.

Demands, abuse, and control

Madhu’s father, Fateh Bahadur Singh, claimed Anurag initially demanded ₹15 lakh in dowry despite the family offering ₹5 lakh. Chats shared by the family allegedly show Anurag pressuring them while promising a modest wedding in return.

Less than a month after their February wedding, Madhu returned home after a violent incident. “We paid the dowry he demanded, and she went back — but the torture never stopped,” her father said.

Her sister, Priya, described Madhu as a once-lively person whose life changed dramatically. “He isolated her, monitored her phone, hit her for trivial things, and forced her to drink,” she said.

An audio clip shared by the family captures Madhu saying: "Mujhe bohut mara (he beat me badly)".

Murder suspected, probe underway

The family also claims Anurag was having an affair and forced Madhu to abort their child. Police are now reviewing hotel records and digital evidence to determine the truth behind Madhu’s tragic death.