A seven-month-pregnant woman was killed in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha allegedly by her husband and in-laws over dowry and family disputes.

The deceased was Shahajadi Begum, 20, daughter of Shahin Mia of the Rampura (Jadur Bazar) area under Harirampur Union.

According to a complaint filed with Gobindaganj Police Station, Shahajadi married Meheraj Mia of the Damodarpur area under Talukkanupur Union about two years ago.

Her father alleged that Shahajadi had been subjected to physical and mental abuse by her husband and in-laws over dowry demands since shortly after the marriage.

The complaint said Shahajadi called her father around 2:45pm on September 19 and told him she wanted to go to her parents' home but her in-laws were preventing her from leaving.

Later, around 4:45pm, her husband called Shahin Mia and said Shahajadi had fallen ill and was being taken to Gobindaganj Hospital.

Shahin Mia and his family members rushed to the hospital and found Shahajadi lying on the floor of the emergency department, wrapped in a sheet. An on-duty doctor declared her dead.

The family later alleged that her body was taken to her in-laws' house without informing them.

Shahin Mia alleged that the accused had killed his daughter by smothering her with a pillow. However, police said the exact cause of death would be known after an autopsy.

Gobindaganj Police Station officer-in-charge Muhammad Mozammel Haque said the body had been sent for autopsy.

He said a case was filed and necessary legal action would be taken after investigation and receipt of the autopsy report.