Woman commits suicide; Lover arrested for rape, abetment and religious conversion pressure

By Sagaya Fernando| August 12, 2025

Kochi, Kerala, INDIA: A 23-year-old woman from Puthupady in Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, died by suicide on August 9, allegedly after prolonged harassment and pressure from her boyfriend and his family to convert to Islam before marriage. Police have arrested the accused, identified as Ramees, 24, of Alangad, Aluva, who was working as a temporary employee at Cochin International Airport. His parents have also been booked and will be taken into custody for questioning.

The deceased, Sona Eldhose, a Teacher’s Training Course student, was found hanging at her home on Saturday August 9 afternoon while alone. Her death note, recovered the next day, accuses Ramees and his family of physical and mental harassment, wrongful confinement, and coercion to convert.

According to the note, Sona alleged that Ramees and his father had arranged a vehicle to take her to Ponnani for religious conversion, asserting that marriage would only be possible two months after the process. His mother, sisters, relatives, and friends allegedly supported the plan. She also wrote that she forgave Ramees after his arrest in an immoral trafficking case, but claimed he repeatedly betrayed her trust.

“I don’t want to live a life where I have to endure such betrayal,” the note begins.

Family’s Account

Sona’s brother, Basil Eldhose, said she had been in a relationship with Ramees since their college days at UC College, Aluva. The couple had discussed marriage, and despite belonging to different religions, her family supported her choice. However, tensions arose when Ramees’s family insisted on an immediate marriage and conversion.

“We agreed to the marriage after our father’s mourning period, but they refused to cooperate. Later, when Sona refused to convert, she wanted a registered marriage. Ramees backed out at the last moment and instead confined her at his home in Aluva with the help of his family,” Basil said, adding that she refused even water at their house out of fear.

Her mother, Bindu, said Sona was willing to sacrifice everything for love but was met with rigid religious demands.

“She told me that if she lived, she would still choose to be with him, but all he cared about was his religion, not my daughter,” Bindu said.

Allegations of Abuse

According to police, WhatsApp chats show that when Sona told Ramees she might take her own life, he responded, “Go ahead.” Investigators also claim to have evidence of him assaulting her.

The mother further alleged that Sona was locked up and beaten after she resisted attempts to take her to Ponnani for conversion.

Police Action

The Kothamangalam police initially registered a case of unnatural death, later upgrading it to abetment of suicide, rape under the pretext of marriage, wrongful confinement, and voluntarily causing hurt under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police said further arrests are likely as more evidence emerges.