Tragic Suicide of Newlywed in Tamil Nadu Sparks Outrage Over Dowry Abuse
A Heartbreaking Incident in Tiruppur
In a tragic event in the Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu, a 27-year-old woman named Rithanya reportedly took poison after enduring severe physical and emotional abuse from her husband and in-laws, according to police reports. Rithanya had married Kavin Kumar, a garment business owner and politician, on April 11, 2022.
Her family had provided a lavish dowry, including 300 sovereigns of gold, a Volvo car valued at ₹70 lakh, and a wedding that cost ₹2.5 crore. They had also promised an additional 200 sovereigns of gold after the marriage.
Despite this extravagant dowry, the harassment began just ten days post-wedding. Rithanya faced relentless torture from her husband, Kavin Kumar, along with her father-in-law, Easwaramoorthy, and mother-in-law, Chithradevi, who pressured her to secure the remaining gold.
On Saturday afternoon, after a visit to the Thalakkarai Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal Temple, Rithanya purchased pesticide from Seyur and later ingested it in her car parked near the Mondipalayam Perumal Temple. Bystanders noticed her and alerted the police, who rushed her to Avinashi Government Hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Before her tragic decision, Rithanya sent a heartfelt voice message to her father via WhatsApp, naming her husband and in-laws as the source of her suffering. She expressed her anguish, revealing that Kavin Kumar had threatened to take his own life if she disclosed the abuse.
The news of Rithanya's death ignited public outrage. Her family protested outside the hospital and blocked roads, demanding justice. Following an inquiry by the Tiruppur RDO, police filed charges of abetment to suicide against Kavin Kumar, Easwaramoorthy, and Chithradevi, all of whom have been arrested and are now in custody.