Dowry cannibalism

The term dowry cannibalism is used in this article to describe a unique case where the motive for cannibalism was the non-fulfilment of a husband's dowry demands from his wife. The husband was accused by the wife of regularly using a syringe to withdraw blood from her, with the intent of causing her death, and drinking it. Intriguing as this is, it is also medicolegally important: this method of killing might leave no trace suggesting murder. It is postulated that this form of abuse may also significantly alter the psychological state of the victim and hasten death. The case is not yet concluded, and may never be, thus details to allow identification have been omitted from the report.