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Following the suicide of 25-year-old Logeshwari due to alleged dowry abuse, Tamil Nadu police arrested her husband, E Panneer (37), and his mother, Poongothai, on July 1. Logeshwari died a mere four days after the wedding. Reports say she was abused over 1 sovereign of gold.
According to reports, Panneer’s family had demanded 10 sovereigns of gold, and Logeshwari’s family had agreed to give them 5 sovereigns. At the time of the wedding, her family reportedly gave 4 sovereigns. Reports also say that Panneer and his family harassed Logeshwari, demanding the 1 sovereign of gold and an air conditioner.
Logeshwari hailed from Muslim Nagar, and Panneer is from Kattavur village. Both locations are in Ponneri, Tiruvallur district.
A day after the wedding, the couple went to Logeshwari's natal home, reports say. On the night of June 30, her mother reportedly found Logeshwari dead in the bathroom, and Ponneri police were alerted.
An FIR has been lodged under section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Paneer and Poongothai have now been sent to judicial custody. Panneer’s father Ezhumalai and his sister-in-law Nadhiya are currently absconding, reports also say. Further investigation is underway.
This is the second alleged dowry death in Tamil Nadu within days. On June 28, 27-year-old Rithanya died by suicide in Tiruppur district, similarly alleging dowry abuse. Rithanya left seven harrowing voice messages prior to her death, detailing how her husband and in-laws abused her.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.