‘Consumed marijuana during pregnancy’: Mother-in-law makes fresh claims in Bhopal dowry death case

The 33-year-old woman from Noida who was found dead in Bhopal in a suspected dowry harassment case had been undergoing psychiatric treatment and suffered from schizophrenia, her mother-in-law has claimed.

The woman’s mother-in-law, a retired judge, said during a press briefing on Monday that the deceased had undergone a medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) before her death and had allegedly admitted to consuming marijuana during pregnancy in an attempt to reverse the procedure.

The woman had married a Bhopal-based lawyer in December 2025. While her family has accused the husband and in-laws of dowry harassment, emotional abuse and assault, the husband’s family has denied the allegations and raised claims related to her mental health.

Mother-in-law claims woman wanted to reverse abortion

The mother-in-law alleged that the woman changed her mind after beginning the abortion process.

“When she started the first course of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), she said she wanted to reverse this, which I knew was not possible,” she said.

She further claimed the woman had been taking psychiatric medication and had disclosed marijuana use during pregnancy.

“After coming here, all her supply of drugs was out. She confessed to consuming large quantities of marijuana when she wanted to reverse her pregnancy. A counselling session took place during that time. She was on schizophrenic drugs,” she said.

She also alleged that the deceased experienced tremors and symptoms resembling withdrawal.

Family alleges harassment and emotional abuse

The woman’s family, however, has maintained that she faced severe emotional distress and harassment after marriage.

According to messages reportedly shared with her mother, the woman expressed feeling trapped in her marital home.

“Mai to bohat buri tarah phas gayi hu (I am trapped badly),” one message read.

In another, she reportedly wrote: “In sabko ye lagta hai ki mai drugs karti hu, isiliye mera mood kharab rehta hai (They think I use drugs, which is why they believe I am always upset).”

She also allegedly told her mother: “Mujhe to bohat zyada ghutan ho rahi hai maa (I am feeling very suffocated, mother).”

The family further claimed that after she sought to terminate the pregnancy, her husband questioned her fidelity. According to them, she told her mother: “Mujhe pooch raha hai vo kiska bacha tha (He is asking whose child I was carrying).”

Investigation continues

The woman’s family has questioned aspects of the investigation and post-mortem process, demanding an independent examination at AIIMS Delhi. They have also raised concerns over handling of forensic evidence.

Meanwhile, a court has granted anticipatory bail to the mother-in-law while rejecting the husband’s plea. He remains absconding, and authorities have announced a reward for information leading to his arrest.

A Special Investigation Team is currently probing the case under provisions related to dowry death and abetment. While the post-mortem report has indicated suicide as the cause of death, the family has alleged injury marks that they believe could point to possible foul play.