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The Kothamangalam police in Kerala’s Ernakulam on Monday, August 11, detained one Rameez Mohammad for allegedly abetting the suicide of his partner, 23-year-old Sona Eldhose. Rameez and his family have been accused of allegedly harassing the deceased to get religiously converted before getting married.
Sona, a Teacher Training Course (TTC) student, was in a romantic relationship with Rameez. According to reports, she left her home and moved in with Rameez, after he promised to marry her without religious conversion, last month.
On August 9, Sona attempted to end her life at her residence in Karukadam. Though she rushed to a nearby hospital, the doctors declared her dead.
A suicide note recovered by the police reportedly revealed that the deceased was allegedly harassed to undergo religious conversion by Rameez and his family in order to get legally married. Sona was also allegedly physically assaulted, according to the suicide note.
According to Sona’s family she was initially willing to get married after getting religiously converted. However, she later decided against it after the accused was caught cheating with another woman.
“Rameez along with his family came to our house to fix the marriage. We agreed to their condition to convert the religion. But later Sona refused it. Then he agreed to marry her without conversion and she left the home last month. But after reaching his place, he again forced her and physically harassed her by locking her up in a room,” Sona’s brother Basil said. He claimed that the family was unaware of the harassment she was subjected to.
Though the Kothamangalam police initially registered a First Information Report (FIR) for unnatural death, police have said that they are in the process of altering the charges.
Speaking to TNM, Bijoy PT, Kothamangalam police Inspector said that Rameez’s arrest will be recorded shortly after making changes in the FIR.
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.