Akriti Sutar Death: Husband arrested; Assaulted wife over her higher salary, felt ‘inferior’

New Delhi: The investigation into the death of 28-year-old Akriti Sutar has taken a fresh turn, with Delhi Police arresting her husband, Arastu Sikka, who allegedly admitted to assaulting her because he felt insecure about her earning more than him.

According to police sources, Sikka told investigators that he developed an inferiority complex as Akriti was the family’s primary earner while he managed household responsibilities. Police claimed he admitted to physically assaulting her and pressuring her to quit her job.

Husband arrested, booked under BNS

Delhi Police arrested Arastu Sikka on Monday and booked him under Sections 80 (dowry death) and 85 (cruelty by husband or relatives) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation into Akriti’s death is ongoing.

Akriti was found dead on July 4 after allegedly falling from the third floor of an NDMC residential complex near Lodhi Colony in Delhi. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

Family alleges dowry harassment

According to the FIR, Akriti’s family alleged that Sikka and his family demanded ₹10 lakh and a car after the marriage despite being aware of their financial difficulties. The family also accused Sikka of repeatedly assaulting Akriti and forcing her to quit her job.

Akriti’s father had died of cancer in 2019, after which she became the primary breadwinner, supporting her mother and younger brother.

Repeated assaults alleged

The FIR states that Akriti informed her mother on multiple occasions about the alleged abuse. Her family claimed that she was assaulted with a belt in June after Sikka accused her of infidelity for not answering his calls. Another alleged assault reportedly took place days before her death.

Her brother alleged that Akriti concealed much of the abuse, hoping the situation would improve, and wanted to continue working despite the alleged harassment.

Police examining digital evidence

Investigators are analyzing CCTV footage, call records, mobile phone data and other digital evidence. Police are also examining the possible involvement of other family members as part of the ongoing probe.