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The Madras High Court on Thursday, July 31, severely criticized Tamil Nadu police over their handling of the Rithanya case. Rithanya, a 27-year-old woman from Tiruppur district had died by suicide two months after her marriage. The court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the postmortem report, noting that it ruled out signs of physical assault, and directed that a comprehensive forensic report be submitted.
Justice M Nirmal Kumar, hearing bail pleas filed by Rithanya’s husband Kavin Kumar, father-in-law Eswaramoorthy, and mother-in-law Chithra Devi, remarked that the investigating authorities had shown a mechanical approach while investigating the case.
“It has become the attitude of the investigating agencies. They just collect everything routinely. No physical examination. You are not investigating it with manpower,” the judge said.
Senior Advocate Abudu Kumar, appearing for Rithanya’s father, told the court that the family became aware of the harassment only after receiving voice recordings from Rithanya shortly before her death. “She was an educated woman who was forced into a traumatic situation, both verbally and physically. The accused should not be released on bail as there is a risk of them destroying evidence,” he argued.
Opposing this, Senior Advocate John Sathyan, representing the accused, denied the allegations and said both families were financially equal and that there was no demand for dowry during or after the marriage.
Following Rithanya’s death, the Cheyur police registered a case under Section 194(3) (suicide of a woman within seven years of marriage) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Based on voice notes sent by Rithanya to her father, her husband, father-in-law and mother-in-law were also arrested under Section 85 (cruelty by husband or his relatives) and Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The government’s counsel Santhosh informed the court that the mobile phones of Rithanya, her husband, and her father have been sent for forensic examination. He added that Rithanya’s friends, classmates, and relatives are also being questioned to understand whether there was any noticeable change in her behaviour after marriage.
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.
The court adjourned the case to August 14 and directed the police to submit a detailed postmortem and forensic report by then.
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.