Gujranwala woman killed after in-laws allegedly force her to drink acid over dowry dispute

A woman in Gujranwala lost her life after her in-laws allegedly forced her to drink acid amid a dispute over dowry. Following the incident, police took the victim’s husband into custody.

The woman had been married in September, but tensions reportedly escalated between her and her husband’s family over dowry demands. A heated argument broke out between her, her husband, and her mother-in-law before her death.

She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.

According to the police, investigations are still underway to determine whether the victim was forced to drink the acid or consumed it herself. A case has been registered at the local police station, and her husband has been detained for questioning.

In 2024, incidents of violence against women surged in Punjab, with Gujranwala recording the highest number of domestic abuse cases, as highlighted in a report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO).

Dowry remains an outdated and regressive custom still observed in many South Asian societies, where a bride’s family is expected to provide household items, furniture, clothes, and whatever the in-laws demand.

Despite growing activism and awareness campaigns against this practice, it continues to persist, reflecting deep-rooted social pressures and inequality.