Bengaluru, March 4: A 35-year-old software engineer allegedly ended her life at her residence in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Tuesday, March 3, following a domestic altercation. The deceased, identified as Sushma, was a former employee of the IT firm Dell. She was found hanging. Local authorities have initiated a probe into the incident, leading to the arrest of her husband on charges related to dowry harassment.

According to preliminary police reports, the fatal incident was preceded by a heated argument between Sushma and her mother-in-law, Kalpana. The dispute reportedly centered on cooking and household responsibilities. Bengaluru Shocker: Man Kills Wife After Domestic Dispute, Records Video Message, Dies by Suicide in Heelalige.

Techie Dies by Suicide in Bengaluru After Cooking Dispute

Sushma's family has alleged that she was frequently harassed by her mother-in-law, who reportedly restricted her from performing kitchen duties and subjected her to emotional distress over various domestic issues. Police noted that while the immediate trigger appeared to be a minor argument, there had been a history of frequent disputes within the household.

Police Action After Dowry Allegations Against Deceased's Husband

Following the death, Sushma's family filed a formal complaint with the local police, accusing her husband’'s family of persistent dowry harassment. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case and took Sushma's husband, Puneeth Kumar, into custody.

  • Deceased: Sushma, 35 (Former Dell Engineer)

  • Accused: Puneeth Kumar (Husband, Arrested); Kalpana (Mother-in-law, Absconding)

  • Charges: Dowry harassment and abetment of suicide

A search is currently underway for Kalpana, who has been missing since the incident. Authorities are recording statements from neighbors and relatives to determine the extent of the alleged harassment. Sushma and Puneeth Kumar had been married for five years and shared a four-year-old son. While the couple lived in a residential neighborhood of Bengaluru, family members indicated that the relationship had been strained for some time due to recurring conflicts over household management.

The Bengaluru police have reiterated the availability of mental health support and counseling services for those facing domestic distress. A detailed investigation is ongoing to uncover further details regarding the history of the couple's domestic life.

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Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:

Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2026 01:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).