Uttar Pradesh, Bihar Account for Over Half of India’s Dowry Death Cases; Maharashtra Records 143 Cases
Nagpur: Despite stricter laws and growing awareness campaigns, dowry-related deaths continue to haunt India. The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2024 report has revealed a grim reality — a woman loses her life to dowry harassment nearly every 90 minutes in the country.
According to NCRB data, 5,737 dowry deaths were recorded across India in 2024, translating to nearly 16 deaths every day. The figures have once again highlighted the persistent social evil of dowry and the violence faced by women after marriage.
Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of dowry deaths in the country with 2,038 cases, followed by Bihar with 1,078 cases. Together, the two states account for more than half of the total dowry deaths reported nationwide.
Maharashtra also recorded a worrying 143 dowry death cases in 2024. Among major cities in the state, Mumbai reported eight cases, while Pune registered four and Nagpur recorded three dowry deaths.
While some states including Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland and Manipur reported zero dowry deaths during the year, several parts of the country continue to witness allegations of harassment, torture and murder linked to dowry demands.
A recent case from Nagpur division once again brought the issue into focus. Nineteen-year-old Fazila from Amravati allegedly died within four months of marriage. Police have arrested her husband and his brother in connection with the case, suspecting dowry-related harassment and murder.
Experts point out that although the overall numbers have shown a gradual decline over the past three years, the situation remains alarming. India recorded 6,450 dowry deaths in 2022, followed by 6,156 cases in 2023 and 5,737 in 2024.
Social activists believe the statistics underline the urgent need for stricter enforcement, faster investigations and greater social awareness against dowry practices, which remain deeply rooted in several communities despite being illegal.
