Dowry greed: Husband, father-in-law arrested after woman dies by suicide

 

By Sagaya Fernando | 3 July 2025

Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, INDIA: A 27-year-old woman, A. Rithanya, died by suicide on June 28, allegedly due to sustained dowry harassment by her husband and in-laws, prompting police to arrest her husband and his father. The incident has shocked the textile hub of Tiruppur, where both families involved are said to be affluent and well-known.

According to police sources, Rithanya, daughter of real estate dealer R.G. Annadurai from Kaikattipudur, married 28-year-old E. Kavinkumar of Pazhangarai near Avinashi on April 11, 2025. However, her marriage soon turned turbulent. Within two weeks, Rithanya returned to her parental home citing harassment and differences with her husband. Though her family attempted reconciliation and sent her back, she returned home again on June 22, alleging continued abuse.

On June 28, Rithanya left home in her car around 9:30 am, telling her mother she was visiting a temple. By 1 pm, she was found unconscious inside her parked car in Chettipudur, with froth around her mouth — a sign of suspected pesticide consumption. She was rushed to the Government Hospital in Avinashi but was declared dead on arrival.

The Cheyur police registered a case under Section 194(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which pertains to the death by suicide of a woman within seven years of marriage. Based on a complaint by her father, further investigation revealed that Rithanya had been subjected to mental and physical harassment for dowry.

Rithanya’s family alleged that they had given dowry worth several crores during the wedding, including a Volvo car worth ₹70 lakh and 300 sovereigns of gold. Despite this, her in-laws reportedly demanded more. "They kept asking her why we hadn’t given 500 sovereigns instead of 300," her father told the media. He further alleged that Kavinkumar, who is unemployed, and his parents abused Rithanya regularly and tried to force her to hand over the gold.

Before her death, Rithanya sent a series of WhatsApp audio messages to her father, where she emotionally recounted the abuse she faced. "I am sorry, pa. I thought things would change, but they haven’t. They torture me mentally and physically every day. I don’t have the strength to continue living," she said in one of the notes.

Police arrested Kavinkumar and his father, Eswaramoorthy, on Sunday under Sections 85 (subjecting a woman to cruelty by husband or his relatives) and 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody on Monday.

Although initial reports did not include charges against Kavinkumar’s mother, Chithradevi, an investigation is underway. The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), Tiruppur, has launched an inquiry into the dowry demands and is preparing a formal report.

“We are still recording statements from the family and will submit a comprehensive report to the police,” said the RDO.

This tragic case has reignited conversations around the persistent threat of dowry-related abuse and the societal pressures faced by young brides. Authorities urge those facing similar situations to 

seek help immediately.