<p>Bengaluru: Dowry deaths have been on a sharp decline in the state since 2023, according to data accessed by <em>DH</em>.</p>.<p>From 158 deaths in 2023 to 112 in 2024 — a 30% decline — and to 48 deaths in the first five months of 2025, the figures seem to be pointing at a shift.</p>.<p>Overall, the number of crimes against women under various sections has also seen a marginal decrease. </p>.<p>Senior police officials attributed the decline to an increase in awareness and fear among people due to stricter law enforcement. "We have ensured strict action against the offenders and closed the cases within 60 days. Hence, the cases are on a decline," M A Saleem, Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), told DH. </p>.<p>Another senior police officer opined that awareness among women to fight against dowry harassment has increased and hence, the deaths have come down. </p>.Two more held in online harassment case against Ramya .<p>"If we observe, the number of dowry harassment cases has not come down significantly compared to deaths. This shows that more women are approaching the police against such harassment and we have been able to prevent deaths," the officer explained.</p>.<p>Data showed dowry harassment cases came down marginally from 2,960 in 2023 to 2,912 in 2024.</p>.<p>Women rights activists believe dowry harassment is rampant in the state.</p>.<p>"The economic status of women has not improved much. If they come out and complain against their families, they have no place else to go. In many other cases, women think it brings shame to the family. With such inhibitions, harassment complaints are still being under- reported," K S Vimala, Janavaadi Mahila Sanghatane, told <em>DH</em>. </p>.<p>She, however, felt that a lack of interest among young women in a few communities to get married to men engaged in farming, priesthood and unconventional professions might also have resulted in a decrease in dowry harassment cases in those communities.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: Dowry deaths have been on a sharp decline in the state since 2023, according to data accessed by <em>DH</em>.</p>.<p>From 158 deaths in 2023 to 112 in 2024 — a 30% decline — and to 48 deaths in the first five months of 2025, the figures seem to be pointing at a shift.</p>.<p>Overall, the number of crimes against women under various sections has also seen a marginal decrease. </p>.<p>Senior police officials attributed the decline to an increase in awareness and fear among people due to stricter law enforcement. "We have ensured strict action against the offenders and closed the cases within 60 days. Hence, the cases are on a decline," M A Saleem, Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), told DH. </p>.<p>Another senior police officer opined that awareness among women to fight against dowry harassment has increased and hence, the deaths have come down. </p>.Two more held in online harassment case against Ramya .<p>"If we observe, the number of dowry harassment cases has not come down significantly compared to deaths. This shows that more women are approaching the police against such harassment and we have been able to prevent deaths," the officer explained.</p>.<p>Data showed dowry harassment cases came down marginally from 2,960 in 2023 to 2,912 in 2024.</p>.<p>Women rights activists believe dowry harassment is rampant in the state.</p>.<p>"The economic status of women has not improved much. If they come out and complain against their families, they have no place else to go. In many other cases, women think it brings shame to the family. With such inhibitions, harassment complaints are still being under- reported," K S Vimala, Janavaadi Mahila Sanghatane, told <em>DH</em>. </p>.<p>She, however, felt that a lack of interest among young women in a few communities to get married to men engaged in farming, priesthood and unconventional professions might also have resulted in a decrease in dowry harassment cases in those communities.</p>