Nagpur Engineer Death: Family Alleges Superstition, ‘Vibhuti’ Rituals and Mental Harassment by In-Laws

Twenty-eight-year-old Riya Gandhewar, a highly educated engineer with a degree in Electronics and Telecommunication, passed away under heartbreaking circumstances. However, the allegations made by her mother after her death have shocked many people. According to the family, despite belonging to an educated household, Riya allegedly faced severe mental distress linked to superstitious beliefs and practices followed by her in-laws, raising serious concerns about blind faith prevailing even among educated sections of society. Even in an age driven by science and technology, the grip of superstition continues to affect lives in disturbing ways, as revealed by a tragic incident from Nagpur.

Riya had married Sumit Gandhewar from Gadchiroli on November 20, 2021. Sumit is reportedly a contractor by profession, while his father had retired from the Superintendent of Police’s office. Despite the family’s educational and professional background, Riya’s mother claimed that her daughter was subjected to troubling treatment after marriage. Riya reportedly began suffering from depression, but instead of seeking proper medical assistance, her in-laws allegedly turned towards a self-styled spiritual figure. Her mother alleged that the family pressured Riya to stay for several days at the ashram of Kartik Swami Maharaj in Haranghat near Chamorshi, believing spiritual rituals would solve her problems.

The allegations further state that the superstition extended into Riya’s daily life. Her mother claimed that sacred ash, or “vibhuti,” associated with the self-proclaimed godman, was secretly mixed into Riya’s food. According to the accusations, the in-laws believed that because horoscopes were not matched before marriage, future children born to the couple could suffer from physical disabilities. The family allegedly accepted these claims after being influenced by the so-called spiritual leader. Riya’s mother stated that the constant emotional pressure, humiliation, and irrational beliefs deeply affected her daughter’s mental health, eventually forcing her to leave her matrimonial home and return to her mother’s residence.

Riya died in Nagpur on April 10, 2026, reportedly due to encephalitis. After her death, several emotional videos surfaced on social media, drawing widespread attention. In the clips, Riya is seen crying uncontrollably while pleading with her husband to answer her calls and come home. The videos have left many viewers disturbed, as they show a young and educated woman struggling emotionally and desperately seeking support from her husband. The visuals have sparked discussions online about emotional neglect, mental health, and the dangerous impact of blind faith, particularly when vulnerable individuals are denied proper medical and emotional care during difficult periods in life.

Riya’s mother, Madhuri Potwar, further alleged that her in-laws were determined to leave her at the Haranghat temple under the care of the self-styled godman. She questioned why spiritual intervention was prioritised over professional medical treatment while Riya was suffering from mental health issues and illness. The incident has once again exposed how deeply rooted superstitious beliefs can remain, even within educated and socially respected families. The tragic death of the young engineer has triggered outrage and concern, with many calling for greater awareness about mental health treatment, scientific thinking, and stricter action against exploitative practices carried out in the name of spirituality and blind faith.