Study by Dr. Kriti Kapila Reveals Surge in India Dowry Deaths to 6,516 Cases
A new study by Dr. Kriti Kapila of King’s College, London, has revealed a significant rise in recorded dowry-related deaths in India, highlighting that domestic violence against women remains systemic and disproportionately high.
The study found that recorded dowry-related deaths in the country rose from 1,841 cases in 1988 to 6,516 cases in 2022. According to the research, public apathy toward these crimes has also increased over the decades.
The findings contrast with recent public discourse, which has focused heavily on a spate of high-profile crimes committed by women against their partners. While these cases have gained significant attention, the study indicates that the broader, systemic issue of intimate partner violence and dowry-related deaths against women remains far more endemic.
Among the recent high-profile cases involving female victims is the death of Twisha Sharma, whose husband and mother-in-law stand accused of killing her.
Conversely, several recent cases where men were the victims have captured public attention and fueled online discussions about men's safety. These include the death of Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort in Pune in June, allegedly orchestrated by his fiancée Siya Goyal and her boyfriend Chetan Chaudhary. Other cases include the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya in 2025, and the murder of Monu of Rewari in June.
According to police findings, Goyal's online search history showed she had researched Raghuvanshi’s case and the treatment of women in prison. A police officer connected to the case called it "a crime of desperation," though public sentiment has largely viewed it as a premeditated act.
Despite the intense public interest in these recent cases, the data from Dr. Kapila's study underscores that domestic violence remains overwhelmingly directed at women. The research emphasizes that while intimate partner violence occurs across various relationship dynamics, the systemic issues within traditional arranged marriages, which constitute around 90 percent of marriages in India, remain the primary area of concern.
