Kapurthala, Aug 2: A 20-year-old woman and her three-year-old son died by suicide in Kapurthala’s Kala Sanghian area on Saturday, allegedly after sustained harassment by her in-laws. The woman, Preeti, reportedly set herself and her son ablaze on the rooftop of her marital home, triggering widespread outrage in the area.
Kapurthala Police launched a swift investigation following a formal complaint by Preeti’s father, Amrik Singh, who cited prolonged emotional and mental harassment. An FIR was registered within hours under Sections 306 (abetment of suicide) and 498A (cruelty by in-laws) of the Indian Penal Code.
Police arrested Preeti’s father-in-law Vijay Kumar and mother-in-law Kulwinder Kaur the same evening. Two other accused — her aunt-in-law Babbli and grandaunt-in-law Anita — are currently absconding.
“We are treating this case with the utmost seriousness. Arrests have already been made, and we are committed to nabbing all those named in the complaint,” said SHO Prabhjot Kaur.
A forensic team was sent to the scene immediately to collect physical evidence. Investigators have also seized Preeti’s mobile phone, which she used to alert her family moments before the act. The phone is now being examined for call records and messages that could serve as key evidence in the case.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and assured the public that justice will not be delayed.
