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In a significant development in the dowry death case of 27-year-old A Rithanya, the Tiruppur police arrested her mother-in-law, Chitradevi, on Friday, July 4. The arrest comes amid growing outrage from the victim's family, who have accused authorities of succumbing to political pressure and dragging their feet in the investigation.
Rithanya died by suicide on June 28, just two and a half months after marrying E Kavin Kumar. Her father, R Annadurai, filed a complaint alleging dowry harassment. The police initially booked a case under section 194(3) (suicide of a woman within seven years of marriage) of BNSS. The FIR was later altered to include sections 85 (cruelty by husband or relatives) and 108 (abetment of suicide).
Kavin Kumar and his father, Eswaramoorthy, were arrested shortly after.
According to reports, Rithanya’s family opposed bail for the arrested duo during a hearing at the Principal District Court in Tiruppur on July 3. The court adjourned the hearing to July 15. The family’s counsel, M Mohankumar, submitted a petition objecting to the bail, citing concerns that the accused could exploit political influence to derail the probe.
"The police have been handling the case in a lethargic manner due to political interference by the accused," Mohankumar said, adding that there was a delay in investigating the case and that the police had omitted Rithanya’s recorded suicide note from the altered FIR.
According to The New Indian Express, the note was sent to her father before her death and should be treated as a dying declaration. “There are many differences between the complainant's statement and the police statement and their actions,” Mohankumar added.
Meanwhile, Chitradevi, who had not been arrested initially on health grounds, was finally taken into custody on July 4, after sustained demands by the victim's family.
The family has also raised concerns over delays in the postmortem report and the Revenue Divisional Officer’s (RDO) ongoing inquiry. “If the RDO report confirms dowry harassment, we will push for the invocation of additional charges,” a senior police officer reportedly told TNIE.
Before her death, 27-year-old Rithanya sent seven voice notes to her father, detailing the harassment she faced and expressing her despair. In one of her final messages, she said, “I am sorry, Dad. I don’t want anybody to save me this time. All this while, I hoped that my life would change. I’ve now realised that it won’t.”
Rithanya married Kavin Kumar on April 11, 2025. Her family reportedly provided a dowry of 100 sovereigns of gold and a Volvo luxury car worth Rs 70 lakh. However, within weeks of the wedding, Annadurai said that his daughter began facing pressure for more dowry, and all efforts to mediate failed.
On the morning of June 28, she left for the Mondipalayam temple. A few hours later, she was found unconscious in her car and declared dead on arrival at the Avinashi Government Hospital.
In her audio messages, Rithanya alleged mental torture by her in-laws and physical assault by her husband. “They have hurt me and insulted me. I don’t want to be a lifelong burden to you,” she said.
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:
1Life 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.
