India and dowry deaths

The grim statistics from India where brides "are expected to bring jewelry, cash and even consumer durables as dowry when getting married. They are ill-treated, often violently, if they fail to do so."

One dowry death registered almost every hour on the hour.

"A total of 7,618 cases were registered as dowry deaths in 2006, while 6,787 cases were registered in 2005. In 2004, at least 7,026 such cases were recorded," said a police official.