Chennai, 7 August (H.S.) : A 27-year-old woman, Ridhanya, died by suicide in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district after allegedly facing dowry harassment from her husband and in-laws. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for swift action against the accused. Ridhanya, daughter of a successful garment businessman, Annadurai, was married to 28-year-old Kavin Kumar in April this year. Despite receiving 100-300 sovereigns of gold and a luxury Volvo worth Rs 70 lakh as dowry, Ridhanya's husband and in-laws reportedly continued to harass her for more.

According to police, the abuse began within ten days of the marriage, with Ridhanya's husband and parents-in-law, Eswaramoorthy and Chithradevi, subjecting her to degrading treatment and physical abuse over trivial issues. Ridhanya sent several WhatsApp voice messages to her father before taking her life, detailing the mental and physical torture she endured. In one of the recordings, she directly blamed her husband and in-laws for her decision to end her life, stating, My married life is the sole reason for this decision. My husband and his family are to be blamed.

The Tiruppur police have arrested Kavin Kumar, Eswaramoorthy, and Chithradevi under charges of abetment to suicide. They have been remanded to judicial custody while a detailed investigation is being conducted. The Revenue Divisional Officer is also conducting an inquiry into the incident. Family members and supporters staged protests outside the hospital, demanding swift action against the accused.

The tragic case has reignited debate over the persistence of dowry culture and domestic abuse in society. Women's rights activists and community members are demanding tougher enforcement of laws and more support systems to protect women facing marital violence. As the investigation unfolds, the community is left to grapple with the devastating consequences of dowry harassment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary