Tragic Death of Odisha Nurse Raises Alarm Over Dowry Violence

Odisha Nurse’s Death Highlights Ongoing Crisis of Dowry-Related Violence

A disturbing case of alleged dowry-related violence has emerged from Odisha as Krishna Sahu, a staff nurse at Padampur Sub-Divisional Hospital, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her in-laws’ residence in April 2025. The tragedy has sparked widespread concern about the persistent issue of dowry harassment in the region.

Final Plea: Victim’s Distressing Video Message Before Death

Prior to her death, Krishna had sent a heart-wrenching video message to her father detailing the abuse she was suffering. In the video, she described being physically assaulted by her husband and in-laws over dowry demands, which reportedly included a car and an air conditioner.

“They are beating me and telling me to die,” Krishna stated in her final communication, explaining that her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were instigating the violence while her husband, Alok Sahu, was physically abusing her. The video revealed her severe emotional distress and fear for her life amid the ongoing harassment.

#WATCH | Bolangir | “My husband and in-laws will kill me”

A GNM nurse named Krishna Sahu’s heart-wrenching video before death goes viral. She was later found dead under mysterious circumstances. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/2h0zHWxnfd

— OTV (@otvnews) April 20, 2025

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Investigation Underway as Family Rejects Suicide Theory

Krishna was found hanging at her in-laws’ home and was subsequently taken to Patnagarh hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Her family has strongly contested the suggestion of suicide, pointing to visible physical injuries on her body and the video evidence documenting the pattern of abuse she endured.

Authorities have registered case number 117/2025 at Patnagarh police station following a complaint filed by Krishna’s father. A scientific team and magistrate have conducted an on-site investigation, and police have detained and subsequently arrested her husband, Alok Sahu, for questioning.

A Young Family Torn Apart

Krishna, who hailed from Semelmunda village in Bargarh district, married Alok Sahu in 2022. The couple, who have a young child, had been living in Nehanabandha village in Bolangir district. What should have been a new chapter of family life instead ended in tragedy, leaving a child without a mother.

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Calls for Justice and Systemic Change

This incident has ignited outrage across the state and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of anti-dowry laws. Advocates for women’s rights are demanding swift justice for Krishna and highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies.

The case underscores the critical importance of addressing domestic abuse and implementing more effective measures to protect women from dowry-related violence, which continues to claim lives despite legislation meant to prevent it.

As investigations continue, Krishna’s story serves as a somber reminder of the work that remains to be done in eradicating dowry practices and ensuring the safety and dignity of women throughout India.