MUKUNDNAGAR, Pune — The death of 30-year-old IT professional Payal Akshay Zambre at her matrimonial home has triggered allegations of sustained dowry harassment, with her family questioning whether she died by suicide or was killed.
Payal was found dead inside a flat at Akshay Heights society on Monday. Her body was reportedly hanging from a ceiling fan. Her cousin, Janardan Pawar, alleged that Payal faced repeated physical and mental harassment from her husband's family over demands for gold and money, claiming the family sought between five and 10 tolas of gold every Diwali. When Payal's parents expressed inability to meet the demand immediately and requested deferment until the following year, Pawar alleged the pressure on Payal continued despite this.
Payal had married Akshay Zambre around five years ago, and the couple have a four-year-old daughter. Her body was discovered after relatives, who had not seen her since Sunday night, forced entry into the flat.
Police from Swargate station reached the scene and sent the body to Sassoon General Hospital for post-mortem examination. A forensic team inspected the flat and carried out necessary procedures. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from the residential society to piece together the events leading up to her death.
Payal's husband Akshay and her parents-in-law reportedly left the premises after the incident and are being traced by police. Their whereabouts and the allegations of harassment are part of the ongoing inquiry.
Police have indicated that the post-mortem findings will be crucial in determining the cause of death. No conclusion has yet been known, and the investigation is continuing.
