Pune IT professional found dead at in-laws' home in Mukundnagar; family alleges harassment over gold

Allegations of continuous harassment over gold and money have surfaced after the death of a 30-year-old IT professional at her in-laws' home in Mukundnagar, Pune. The family suspects it may be either suicide or murder. Relatives of Payal Akshay Jhambare have demanded an impartial investigation into both possibilities. They say they cannot believe Payal could have taken her own life.

Payal was found dead on Monday inside an old flat in Akshay Heights society. Her body was reportedly found hanging from a ceiling fan. The circumstances surrounding the death are not yet clear. The actual cause is expected to emerge only from the post-mortem and the police investigation.

Payal's cousin Janardan Pawar alleged that she was repeatedly harassed, physically and mentally, over demands for gold and money from her husband's family. He claimed the in-laws demanded five to 10 tola of gold every Diwali. This year, Payal's parents reportedly said they could not meet the demand now and asked that it be deferred to next year. Pawar alleged that pressure on Payal continued regardless.

Payal was married to Akshay Jhambare about five years ago. The couple have a four-year-old daughter. According to relatives, Payal had not been seen since Sunday night. A cousin of her husband (a younger or elder brother-in-law) then informed her brother Hrushikesh. Payal's family then reached the Mukundnagar house and had the flat opened.

Pawar described Payal as highly educated and soft-spoken. According to him, it is because of her nature that the family doubts the suicide theory. Relatives say the inquiry into the harassment allegations should also be conducted alongside the circumstances in which Payal was found dead.

Police from Swargate station reached the spot and sent the body to Sassoon General Hospital for post-mortem. A forensic team inspected the flat and completed the necessary procedures. Investigators are also examining the society's CCTV footage to piece together events before the death.

Payal's husband Akshay and his parents reportedly left the house after the incident. Police are looking for them. Their whereabouts and the allegations made by Payal's relatives are both part of the ongoing investigation.

Police have indicated that the post-mortem report will be crucial in determining the cause of death. No conclusion has been reached so far and the investigation is continuing.