A young woman’s death by suicide in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur district has reignited public outrage over dowry-related abuse. The deceased, 27-year-old Ridhanya, reportedly consumed a toxic pesticide after enduring months of mental and physical harassment from her husband and in-laws.

Ridhanya, daughter of Annadurai—a successful garment businessman—was married to 28-year-old Kavin Kumar in April this year. As part of the dowry, her family gave 100–300 sovereigns of gold, a luxury Volvo worth Rs 70 lakh, and allegedly promised an additional 200 sovereigns. Despite the lavish arrangements, the harassment began within ten days of the marriage, according to police.

The abuse escalated rapidly. Authorities say her husband and his parents—Eswaramoorthy and Chithradevi—continuously demanded more dowry and subjected Ridhanya to degrading treatment over trivial issues. Her family claimed she was mentally tortured and physically abused, including being forced to stand for long hours as punishment.

How the Incident Took Place?

On Sunday, Ridhanya left home saying she planned to visit the Mondipalayam temple. On the way, she parked her car near Seyur and consumed sulphas tablets. Locals, concerned by the unmoving car, alerted police. Officers found her unresponsive inside the vehicle, with visible signs of poisoning. She was taken to Avinashi Government Hospital, where she was declared dead. The body was later sent for a postmortem.

Before taking her life, Ridhanya sent several WhatsApp voice messages to her father. In them, she directly blamed her husband and his family.

“My married life is the sole reason for this decision. My husband and his family are to blamed. I’ve gone through enough physical and mental harassment. I don’t want this life anymore, they will never change. Kavin, Eswaramoorthy, and Chithradevi are the reason I chose to end my life. My marriage has been a failure. Please forgive me, Mom and Dad,” she said in one of the recordings.

Ridhanya Sent Multiple Voice Notes to Father Before Committing Suicide

In other messages, she described feeling hopeless and isolated: “I’m unable to bear their mental torture daily. I don’t know whom to tell about this. Those who listen want me to compromise claiming life will be like this only and are not able to understand my suffering.”

She added sorrowfully, “You and mom are my world. Until my last breath you have been my hope, but I hurt you badly… I’m sorry father everything is over. I’m leaving.”

Her parents had previously been informed about the abuse but had reportedly advised her to remain patient, believing the situation would improve with time. Unfortunately, the abuse only intensified.

Family Members Protests Outside Hospital

Following her death, tensions flared outside the hospital. Family members and supporters staged protests on Sevur Road, demanding swift action against the accused. Some attempted to confront the in-laws when they came to the hospital, forcing police to step in to prevent violence.

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.

The tragic case has reignited debate over the persistence of dowry culture and domestic abuse. Women’s rights activists and community members are demanding tougher enforcement of laws and more support systems to protect women facing marital violence.