A disturbing case of dowry harassment and colour-based discrimination has surfaced from Vinukonda town in Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh. A married woman, Gopi Lakshmi, has been staging a protest outside her in-laws’ house since Sunday, accusing her husband and his family of sustained mental and physical abuse.

Gopi Lakshmi, a resident of Nadigadda village in Vinukonda Mandal, was married to Koteshwar Rao of Chowdamma Street, Thimmayapalem Road, Vinukonda, on June 4 this year. According to Lakshmi, the initial days of marriage were peaceful, but within two months, harassment began.

She alleged that her husband Koteshwar Rao, along with his aunt Seshamma and uncle Venkateshwarlu, started demanding money from her parental home. Alongside dowry pressure, Lakshmi claims she was repeatedly humiliated for her complexion. She alleged that her husband openly told her, “You’re dark, I don’t like you,” and accused her of bringing bad luck to the family.

Lakshmi further stated that at the time of marriage, her parents had mortgaged two acres of land to meet dowry demands, giving ₹12 lakh in cash and 25 sovereigns of gold. Despite this, she was subjected to constant taunts, threats, and harassment. She said her in-laws claimed that misfortunes in the household began only after her arrival.

The victim also alleged that her in-laws threatened her by claiming political backing, saying that even if she approached the police, no action would be taken against them. She expressed fear for her safety, stating that if the accused were granted bail, they could harm her or her family members.

When Lakshmi began protesting in front of her in-laws’ house on Sunday, her husband and other accused family members reportedly fled the residence. Her maternal relatives and family members joined the protest in support, drawing public attention to the case.

Following mounting pressure and media attention, the police registered a case against the accused under dowry harassment and cruelty-related sections and have launched an investigation. Lakshmi has demanded strict action against those who exploit and torture women in the name of dowry and appealed for justice and protection.