The low status of India's women has a sinister face. Up to 5000 women are killed each year in disputes over dowries. Many are burnt to death by their husband's family in fake accidents. The motive is greed. Some women now find courage to complain to the police. A couple battles out their dowry disagreement before a police mediator. Others barely escape with their lives. Anita fled to a women's shelter after 4 years of beatings and death threats. Despite the problems traditions remain strong and 99% of marriages still involve a dowry. A candid insight into the continuing abuse inside Indian families.

Produced by ABC Australia