Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 14: A disturbing rise in cases of women involved in the murders of their husbands has mental health experts sounding the alarm, pointing to deep-rooted emotional dysfunctions, poor coping skills, and shifting relationship dynamics as key drivers of this trend.

From the shocking honeymoon killing in Meghalaya to a gruesome case in Meerut where a man’s body was found sealed in a cement drum, the surge in such crimes has ignited national debate — not just on the psychological health of the perpetrators, but also on the evolving nature of modern relationships.

“These are not simply stories of men or women turning violent,” said Dr. Shiv Prasad, Head of Psychiatry at Lady Hardinge Medical College. “They’re human tragedies rooted in unresolved trauma, distorted thinking, and broken emotional regulation.”

Referencing high-profile incidents — including a Bengaluru techie’s suicide last year blaming his wife in a lengthy video and the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case — Dr. Prasad cautioned against misogynistic interpretations that paint such women as inherently dangerous. “These acts are often misread as a sign of empowerment gone wrong, when they actually reflect severe psychological distress,” he said.

Experts argue that untreated mental health issues, fear of abandonment, and a sense of failure in achieving the idealized life often collide with relationship breakdowns, betrayal, or domestic pressure, resulting in violent outbursts.

Dr. Rajiv Mehta, Vice Chairperson of Psychiatry at a leading Delhi hospital, also weighed in: “There’s a fundamental shift from a 'we' mindset of community to a 'me' mindset of individualism. Entitlement, reduced patience, and a false sense of impunity — believing one can outsmart the law — are all contributing factors.”

Experts underline that hyperconnected yet emotionally shallow relationships, often glamorized on digital platforms, lack the resilience to navigate deep-rooted familial and societal expectations. The shift from joint to nuclear families, they say, is reshaping the emotional framework couples operate in — often without the tools to handle the pressure.

“Relationships today are more individual-centric than interdependent,” said Dr. Prasad. “We’ve forgotten that marriages don’t just involve two people — they require negotiating complex social and family dynamics.”

As India continues to evolve socially and economically, mental health professionals are calling for urgent attention to the emotional well-being of individuals and couples, with targeted interventions that address trauma, relationship management, and societal expectations before they turn fatal.