PTC Web Desk: A day after the death of 23-year-old Muskan, wife of international kabaddi player Sheelu Balhara, the Haryana Police registered a dowry death case against the player, his parents and his brother. The FIR was lodged on Saturday at Bahu Akbarpur police station based on a complaint filed by Muskan’s father, Sukhbir, who has accused the family of dowry harassment and alleged that Sheelu had relationships with several women.

Following the registration of the case, Muskan's body was sent for a post-mortem examination at PGI. Later, her family took the body to her in-laws' village, Bahu Akbarpur, where the last rites were performed. Her husband, Sheelu Balhara, lit the funeral pyre.

Meanwhile, a video recorded after Muskan’s death has surfaced on social media. The footage shows family members near her body, while claims are also being made in the video that there were injury marks on her body. These claims have not been officially confirmed by the police.

Also Read |  Sorry, mummy, main aise ja rahi hoon...: Dehradun teacher ends life, emotional video surfaces; husband and in-laws booked for harassment

Father alleges dowry harassment after marriage

In his complaint, Sukhbir, a resident of Farmana village in Meham, said Muskan married Sheelu Balhara on December 8, 2023. According to him, soon after the wedding, Muskan allegedly began facing taunts for bringing insufficient dowry.

He claimed that despite village-level mediation and discussions between both families, the alleged harassment continued.

Sukhbir further alleged that Muskan had discovered evidence suggesting that her husband was involved in relationships with other women.

According to the complaint, Sheelu frequently assaulted Muskan and allegedly pressured her to agree to a divorce. The father claimed Muskan had shared these concerns with him on several occasions.

The grieving father said Muskan had returned to her parental home around 15 days before the incident after an argument. However, she was later persuaded to return to her matrimonial home after discussions with Sheelu and his father.

Sukhbir said he now regrets that decision, saying he believes his daughter might still have been alive had he not sent her back.

Father claims daughter spoke of a threat before death

According to the complaint, Muskan called her father on Friday and allegedly told him that her husband and his family were planning to kill her.

When the family could not contact her again, they rushed to Bahu Akbarpur village, where they found Muskan lying dead inside the house. Sukhbir has alleged that his daughter was murdered. The police are investigating these allegations.

Village panchayat decides on last rites

Vijaypal, a relative of Sheelu Balhara, said representatives from Bahu Akbarpur and Farmana villages held a panchayat on Saturday.

According to him, it was decided that Muskan's last rites would be performed in Bahu Akbarpur. He added that the exact circumstances leading to her death are known only to Muskan or the members of her in-laws' family, and the police investigation will determine the truth.

What happened on the day of the incident?

According to information shared by police and family members, Muskan allegedly died by suicide on Friday afternoon.

Around 4 pm, she was found hanging in a room on the first floor of the house. The room was locked from inside. When she did not respond despite repeated calls, family members sought help from neighbours.

A neighbouring woman and her son helped break open the door, after which Muskan was found hanging. 

Police register FIR, probe underway

Bahu Akbarpur Police Station SHO Jasbir confirmed that an FIR has been registered against Tinku alias Sheelu Balhara, his father Surender, mother Nisha and brother Manish.

The case has been registered under Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (dowry death) and Section 3(5) relating to common intention/conspiracy, based on the complaint filed by Muskan's father.

The police said all allegations are under investigation, the accused will be questioned and no arrests have been made so far.