Husband Sentenced to Life for Starving Wife to Death, Hiding Body in Blanket Under Bed

In a harrowing case from Uttar Pradesh, Manoj, a resident of Kareli village, was sentenced to life imprisonment on 15 May 2025 for starving his wife, Mamta, to death in 2021. The Additional District and Sessions Judge Gyanendra Tripathi also fined Manoj Rs. 10,000. After Mamta’s death, Manoj wrapped her decomposed body in a blanket and hid it under their bed, a crime uncovered only when neighbors reported a foul odor. This shocking incident has reignited discussions on domestic violence and dowry-related abuse in India.

The Crime Uncovered
Manoj locked Mamta in a room without food or water for a week following a domestic dispute, leading to her death from starvation and dehydration. The case came to light when neighbors alerted police to a stench emanating from Manoj’s home. Officers discovered Mamta’s body, severely decomposed, concealed under the bed. Mamta’s father filed a case, accusing Manoj of murder and dowry harassment. The court’s investigation confirmed that Mamta’s death resulted from prolonged neglect and abuse, highlighting the brutality of her ordeal.

Court Proceedings and Verdict
During the trial, Additional District Government Advocate Sunil Pandey presented evidence of Manoj’s deliberate cruelty. The court rejected claims of accidental death, ruling that Mamta’s starvation was intentional. Manoj’s mother was also convicted for dowry-related harassment, receiving a separate sentence. The life imprisonment verdict, delivered after a four-year legal battle, was hailed by Mamta’s family as justice, though it could not undo their loss. The fine and conviction underscore the judiciary’s stance against such heinous acts.

A Broader Issue of Domestic Abuse
This case exposes the persistent issue of domestic violence in India, often linked to dowry disputes. Mamta’s emaciated state at death—reportedly weighing just 21 kg—revealed the extent of her suffering. Activists argue that such cases reflect systemic failures in protecting women, with many victims silenced by fear or societal pressure. The conviction, while a step forward, highlights the need for stronger preventive measures and awareness.

Call for Systemic Change
The tragedy has spurred demands for stricter enforcement of anti-dowry laws and better support for domestic violence victims. Community leaders and NGOs are urging regular welfare checks in rural areas like Kareli to detect abuse early. As Mamta’s case fades from headlines, it serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for societal and legal reforms to safeguard vulnerable women from such atrocities.