A 35-year-old woman named Kalpana Soni was allegedly killed by her husband and sister-in-law in Virar, Palghar district, after she demanded the return of her 'stridhan' (personal assets and gifts received during marriage) during a heated argument on December 27, 2025. According to police, Kalpana, who had married Mahesh Soni in 2015, had been living with her husband and in-laws in the area and had faced ongoing physical and mental harassment from the family, which frequently escalated into disputes.

The fatal incident occurred on Saturday when an argument broke out over Kalpana's insistence that she would leave the house and wanted her stridhan returned. Enraged by the demand, 38-year-old Mahesh Soni and his sister, Deepali Soni, reportedly attacked Kalpana on the head with a sharp weapon. Neighbors, alerted by the commotion, rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Police investigations later revealed that the cause of death was severe head injuries from the assault, contradicting the accused's initial claim that she had died after slipping and falling in the washroom.

Senior police officer Prakash Kawale confirmed that a murder case has been registered against Mahesh and Deepali under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Both accused have been remanded in police custody until January 2, 2026, as authorities continue their probe into the circumstances leading to the crime. The couple shares a 7-year-old daughter, who was not present at home during the incident and is now under the care of relatives.

Also Read: PM Modi Credits ‘Yuva Shakti’ for India’s Rising Global Influence

The tragic case has once again highlighted the persistent issue of domestic violence and dowry-related harassment in India, where demands for the return of stridhan—a woman's legal right—can lead to extreme consequences. Stridhan, which includes gifts, jewelry, and property given to a woman before, during, or after marriage, is protected under Indian law as her exclusive property. Police have appealed for information from the public as they gather further evidence in the case.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for stronger awareness, timely intervention, and legal protection for women facing marital discord and abuse. Authorities have urged anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic violence to report it immediately to the police or helplines such as 1091 (Women Helpline) or 112 (Emergency Services). The family and local community remain in shock as investigations into this shocking crime continue.

Also Read: Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree Kalyani Ramadurgam Secures $13 Million Funding For Kobalt Labs