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A woman in Kerala’s Kannur district died by suicide after allegedly facing moral policing and harassment from local activists of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political wing of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI). Three men, all allegedly linked to the SDPI, have been arrested and are in judicial custody. However, the woman’s family claims no moral policing occurred and blames her male friend instead.
The woman, Razeena, was found dead in her home on June 17. The incident came to light two days later, on June 19, after police recovered a suicide note from her body. Kannur City Police Commissioner Nidhinraj said the note specifically mentioned the names of the arrested men, stating that they would not let Razeena and her friend live, which allegedly led her to take the extreme step.
The police said the chain of events started on June 15, when Razeena was seen speaking with a male friend, identified as Rahees, near his parked car. A group of men, allegedly SDPI activists, confronted the two, verbally abused Razeena, and demanded she leave. They then reportedly detained Rahees, seized his phone and tablet, accessed private chats between the two, and held him for nearly five hours. He was later taken to a local office — believed to be linked to SDPI — where the families of both Razeena and Rahees were summoned, and their private messages were read aloud. Rahees was released shortly after.
According to the police, the note stated that the three named individuals had threatened Razeena. Investigators say more people may have been involved in the incident, and one of the arrested men is a relative of Razeena. The case is being further investigated, though the accused’s connection to the SDPI remains to be confirmed.
Razeena’s family, meanwhile, has strongly disputed the police version. Her mother has publicly stated that no incident of moral policing took place, and that the three men arrested are her nephews — Razeena’s cousins — who spoke to her "in the capacity of her brothers." She claimed that it was not harassment but financial exploitation by Rahees that led to her daughter’s death. According to the family, Rahees allegedly took gold and money from Razeena. The mother also stated that she planned to file a formal complaint against him with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
Commissioner Nidhinraj stated that while there is no evidence at this stage to implicate Rahees, police will examine the family's allegations. He also noted that the suicide note does not suggest Razeena was ending her life because of her male friend.
Rahees is currently untraceable.
If you are aware of anyone feeling suicidal or facing mental health issues, 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.