In a shocking development the Kerala police have arrested a 24-year-old man, Ramees, in connection with a suicide case. The victim is identified as Sona Eldhose (23), a teacher training course (TTC) student from Kothamangalam, Ernakulam. Sona was found hanging at her residence in Puthupady on Saturday.

A suicide note recovered by police accuses Ramees of physical assault and pressuring her to convert to Islam before marriage.

Relationship turned abusive

According to the note and statements from her family, Sona was in a relationship with Ramees since their college days. However, the relationship allegedly turned abusive over time. Ramees and his family reportedly insisted that Sona convert to Islam, claiming that marriage would only be possible after her conversion. Despite agreeing initially, she delayed the process due to the recent death of her father.

Furthermore. Sona’s mother told the media that her daughter was confined and beaten after resisting an attempt to take her to Ponnani for religious conversion. She stated that Sona had agreed to register their marriage without changing her faith, which the family did not accept. Sona’s brother also revealed that Ramees had previously been arrested in a case related to immoral trafficking but was forgiven by Sona.

Statement of the Police

Following the probe police officials confirmed that Ramees took Sona to his house under the pretext of meeting a friend. However, he locked her in a room and physically assaulted her. The investigation also uncovered WhatsApp messages in which Sona told Ramees she might end her life. To which he allegedly responded, “go ahead.” Based on this and other evidence, police upgraded the case from unnatural death to abetment of suicide.

According to reports, Ramees, a temporary employee at Cochin International Airport, was taken into custody from Paravoor under preventive detention provisions. Further charges, including physical assault and religious coercion, may be added. Police also stated that Ramees’s family members could be named co-accused.

BJP Slams Congress Govt

In addition to this, the case has sparked political controversy. The BJP accused the ruling Left and Congress parties of appeasement and turning a blind eye to what they called “religious terrorism.” They linked this case to another recent incident involving alleged forced conversion of a Dalit girl from Uttar Pradesh in Kerala.

The investigation, led by Kothamangalam police, remains ongoing.