Pregnant woman found dead at home in Langate

Srinagar, Sep 29: Grief and anger gripped Wahipora village of Langate in north Kashmir’s Handwara after a pregnant woman (6th month) was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her home, triggering protests and demands for a thorough investigation.
Officials said that the 26-year-old woman, mother of an eight-year-old child, was discovered lifeless inside her residence late in the evening.
“The body was shifted to a nearby hospital for medico-legal formalities and later handed over to the family for last rites,” an official said, adding that police have taken cognisance of the matter and a probe has been launched to ascertain the cause of death.
The incident cast a pall of gloom over the village as relatives and neighbours thronged the family home, wailing and demanding justice.
Accusing the woman’s husband of repeated harassment, the grieving family alleged foul play. “This was not the first time she was tortured. I was on a phone call with her around 8 PM when I heard him say, ‘I will throw you a cup.’ Minutes later, she disconnected the call, and within five minutes, we heard the shocking news,” the victim’s sister said, tears rolling down her face.
Relatives said the young mother was excited about an upcoming family wedding and had been discussing preparations just moments before the incident. “She had planned to attend her cousin’s marriage. No one could imagine this tragedy was about to strike,” a relative recounted.
Following the incident, villagers staged a protest demanding a fair and speedy investigation. They urged the authorities to bring the truth to light and punish the culprits.
Police assured the bereaved family that the case will be thoroughly examined. “We have taken cognisance of the matter and are investigating it from all possible angles,” an official said. (KNO)