Mysuru, Oct. 13 (RK&BCT)- A shocking case of alleged dowry harassment has been reported in the city, with a mother approaching the Police after her daughter, a medical professional, faced repeated demands for money, valuables and a vehicle — along with threats to break the marriage alliance — from the prospective groom’s family.

An FIR has been filed at Saraswathipuram Police Station and the Police are investigating the allegations under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which criminalises dowry-related offences.

Confirming the FIR, Saraswathipuram Inspector Purushotham told Star of Mysore that he had asked the complainant’s family to provide documentary evidence to substantiate the purchase and handing over of cash and valuables, as well as receipts for the choultry booking and engagement-related expenditures.

Complaint details

According to the FIR, on Oct. 8, Mamatha Devi, a resident of Fourth Cross, Gangothri Layout, lodged a formal complaint stating that her daughter, Dr. M. Neethu — a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) graduate currently employed at Manipal Hospital — faced harassment and exploitation in connection with a proposed marriage alliance.

The complaint states that K. Mahadev, K. Nagarathna, and their son M. Tejas, residents of Koorgalli (with Tejas working at a software company in Bengaluru), had approached the family through relatives Annaiah and Pavan, expressing interest in marrying Dr. Neethu.

The groom’s family visited Mamatha Devi’s home two to three times, met the bride-to-be, and approved the alliance.

Based on the groom’s family’s requirements, the engagement was scheduled at Vihangama Homestay in Kotehundi village, and the wedding at Sa.Ra. Convention Hall, Dattagalli. On June 22, 2025, Mamatha Devi paid Rs. 1,50,000 in advance to reserve the wedding hall.

Demands for cash and gold

During engagement preparations, the groom’s family allegedly demanded a 150-gram gold necklace, a gold bracelet, Rs. 10 lakh in cash, and a diamond ring for the groom.

Mamatha Devi stated that she arranged these items — excluding the diamond ring — by borrowing money from relatives and friends, and handed them over in the presence of Annaiah and Pavan.

The engagement ceremony was held on Aug. 31, 2025, with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 15 lakh, during which the diamond ring was also presented to the groom.

Fresh dowry demands

However, on October 4, 2025, the groom’s family allegedly returned to the complainant’s home and made fresh demands: Rs. 25 lakh in cash and a Hyundai Creta car worth Rs. 20 lakh.

Mamatha Devi stated that her family had already provided the diamond ring, 150 grams of gold, and cash through substantial loans and refused the new demands.

Following this, the groom’s family allegedly declared that the marriage would not proceed, insulted Mamatha Devi and her daughter with abusive language, issued threats to their lives, and caused significant emotional distress.

Elders from Koorgalli village, known to the groom’s family, reportedly tried to mediate and convince them to go ahead with the marriage, but the groom’s family allegedly remained adamant about their demands.

Mamatha Devi has requested legal action against Mahadev, Nagarathna, Tejas, and relatives M. Shashikumar and his wife Suma. She has also demanded the return of all valuables, engagement expenditures, and the advance paid for the convention hall.