NCRB Reveals Stark Truth: Thousands of Daughters Victims of Dowry Deaths in Just One Year

National News:A heartbreaking case from Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, has once again highlighted the grim reality of dowry-related crimes. A young married woman named Nikki lost her life in a tragic incident. In CCTV footage, Nikki can be seen running down the stairs while engulfed in flames, desperately trying to save herself. The horrifying visuals not only shocked everyone but also raised serious concerns about the safety of women in our society.

Alarming Statistics

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that in 2022, a total of 6,450 cases of dowry deaths were recorded across India. Shockingly, nearly 80 percent of these cases came from just six states—Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Haryana.

On average, 54 women lose their lives to dowry every single day. These are not just numbers—they represent broken families and painful tragedies.

Anti-Dowry Laws in India

India has introduced several laws to fight dowry-related crimes:

• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Both giving and taking dowry is illegal.
• Section 304B, IPC: If a woman dies within seven years of marriage due to dowry harassment, it is treated as dowry death.
• Section 498A, IPC: Any cruelty—mental or physical—by the husband or his family is a criminal offense.
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Provides additional safety and rights to women facing abuse.
• Section 113B, Indian Evidence Act: If a woman dies within seven years of marriage and evidence of dowry harassment exists, the law presumes her death was dowry-related.

Why Are Crimes Still Rising?

Despite strict laws, dowry-related crimes continue to increase. The main reasons include:

• Slow investigation and delayed trials
• Lack of proper legal aid for victims
• Poor social awareness and weak community support

Because of these gaps, many offenders escape punishment, while victims’ families are left waiting for justice for years.

The Roots of Dowry

Originally, dowry was meant to provide financial security to daughters after marriage. Over time, however, it turned into a tool of greed and exploitation. Today, if dowry demands are not met, women often face harassment, domestic violence, and even death. This practice, once limited to rural areas, has now spread to cities as well.

A Wake-Up Call for Society

Nikki’s tragic death in Greater Noida is not just an isolated incident—it is a wake-up call for the entire nation. Laws alone cannot end this evil practice. Until social attitudes change, awareness spreads, and the justice system delivers swift punishment, stopping dowry-related crimes will remain a challenge.