Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
Family members and relatives of a woman who died in a fire incident at her in-laws’ residence in Akhnoor on the intervening night of June 13 and 14 staged a protest on Sunday, demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The protesters blocked a road outside the Sub-District Hospital, Akhnoor, alleging foul play and raising questions about the events leading to the death of Poonam Kalsi.
Speaking to the media, the deceased’s uncle and brother claimed that the family was not informed about the incident until several hours later.
“They are saying that she died in a fire incident that occurred late on Saturday night. However, none of her in-laws informed us immediately. We received information only on Sunday morning from her husband, who is currently in Leh. By the time we reached there, her body was already being transported in an ambulance,” they alleged.
According to her brother, Poonam had spent two days at her parental home before returning to her in-laws’ residence on Saturday.
“I personally dropped her at Sungal Morh on Saturday while she was on her way to her in-laws’ house,” he said.
The family further alleged that Poonam had been subjected to harassment by her in-laws, particularly her father-in-law and mother-in-law, and expressed suspicion over their possible involvement in her death. However, these allegations have not been independently verified or confirmed by the authorities.
The protest caused traffic disruption in the area, prompting senior police and civil administration officials to reach the site and hold discussions with the demonstrators. The officials later persuaded the protesters to lift the blockade.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances of the woman’s death. Further inquiry is underway.
