Runchi Devi Sahani, Sarita’s sister-in-law, claimed that it was a premeditated murder as the family members used to torture the victim mentally and physically over family dispute in the past. She said that they killed the victim but they tried to escape from law terming it a suicide.

Eighteen-year-old Sarita was found dead in suspicious circumstances in her room on Monday. Villagers suspected that the victim might have been murdered over dowry-related disputes. The family members, however, claimed the woman self-immolated following a dispute. The victim was married to Sitaram Sahani of Golbazaar just two months ago. Meanwhile, human rights organisations issued a statement and demanded investigation into the incident. After inspecting the incident site, rights activists demanded investigation as it was found suspicious. Police said the investigation into the matter is under way.