A 21-year-old woman died under suspicious circumstances in Saptari, barely two months after her marriage, with her maternal family alleging she was murdered over dowry.

According to police, Dipa Kumari Yadav of Sonaratol in ward 1 of Mahadeva Rural Municipality died on her way to hospital on Saturday.

She had married Dipak Kumar Yadav, aged 25, two months ago. Her maternal family claims that Dipak and his father Parashuram Yadav, had been repeatedly harassing her to bring additional dowry despite having already received substantial gifts at the time of marriage.

On Friday, Dipak reportedly threatened Dipa’s sister-in-law Sujita, saying he would marry another woman if more dowry was not provided. Hours later, Sujita said she tried to call Dipa several times but no one answered.

The next morning, Dipak and Parashuram rushed the victim to Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital in Rajbiraj, claiming she was unwell. Doctors confirmed she was brought dead. Hospital sources said bruises were visible on her neck.

Police have detained Dipak and Parshuram for investigation. “Investigation is underway as the case is suspicious,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Basnet.