A Newlywed's Tragic End: Dowry Allegations Rock Baner Family

Pune has been rocked by another deeply unsettling incident, as a young woman, barely four months into her marriage, tragically ended her life in Baner. The sorrowful event has now led to grave accusations, with her husband and in-laws booked by the police following a complaint from her grieving father, who alleges a cruel pattern of mental and physical harassment alongside relentless dowry demands.

Priyanka Suresh Sonawane, just 26 years old, was found to have died by suicide on the evening of March 20th, around 10:30 PM. Her sudden death has cast a long shadow over her family, especially given that her marriage to Vaibhav Ashok Sonawane, 28, had only taken place in December 2023. What should have been a period of newlywed bliss, it seems, quickly devolved into something far more sinister, according to the police complaint filed at the Hinjewadi police station.

The core of the accusation, brought forth by Priyanka's heartbroken father, Suresh Vishnu Salunke (50), points directly at Vaibhav, along with his mother, Shashikala Sonawane, and father, Ashok Sonawane. They have been formally charged under Sections 306 (abetment to suicide) and 498A (cruelty by husband or relatives of husband) of the Indian Penal Code. It's a heavy set of charges, reflecting the severe nature of the allegations.

Mr. Salunke’s statement paints a disturbing picture. He recounted how, despite his family bearing the costs for the wedding, including jewelry and gifts, and even contributing a significant sum of one lakh rupees for household expenses, the demands for more began almost immediately after the nuptials. The pressure, he claims, escalated sharply, with his daughter reportedly facing demands for a staggering five lakh rupees and a plot of land to build a new house. In a separate instance, the father-in-law allegedly insisted on an additional fifty thousand rupees to cover a loan, adding to Priyanka's distress.

What makes this tragedy even more poignant is the last interaction Mr. Salunke had with his daughter. He mentioned speaking with Priyanka on the very day of her death, noting that she sounded "normal" during their conversation. Then, just hours later, around 11 PM, came the devastating call from her in-laws, informing him that she had consumed poison. Despite immediate efforts, Priyanka succumbed during treatment, leaving behind a family grappling with incomprehensible loss and unanswered questions.

Sub-inspector Shrikant Pawar is currently leading the investigation into the matter. The authorities are now faced with the solemn task of piecing together the events that led to Priyanka's untimely demise, aiming to uncover the truth behind these deeply troubling allegations of harassment and dowry demands.