In a devastating turn of events, a 21-year-old woman from Chennai has reportedly died by suicide, just two months after her brother allegedly killed her husband in what appears to be a hate crime linked to their inter-caste marriage, as per police reports.The young woman, residing with her in-laws, made a suicide attempt on April 20 and was immediately rushed to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. Despite efforts, she succumbed to her injuries around 7 PM on April 22, revealed a senior police officer from the Tambaram commissionerate, preferring anonymity. No suicide note has been discovered, adding to the complexity of the situation.Inter-caste marriageThe woman, a student pursuing an engineering course, entered into marriage with a 22-year-old Dalit man in October 2023. However, their union faced staunch opposition from her family, and members of the Vanniyar community, categorized under Other Backward Classes (OBC).Tragic turn of eventsOn February 25, the womans elder brother, aided by four accomplices, reportedly murdered her husband in Pallikaranai. Authorities swiftly arrested all five individuals, charging them under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, along with pertinent sections of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Prior to her tragic demise, the woman had advocated for stringent action against other family members, including her parents, whom she suspected of aiding the murder, as shared by the senior officer. Investigations are underway, with plans to gather statements from the parents regarding the circumstances leading to the fatal incident.Call for accountabilityThe womans poignant plea underscores the need for accountability and justice in the face of such heinous crimes fueled by caste-based prejudices. As authorities delve deeper into the case, the quest for truth and resolution continues, shedding light on the persistent societal challenges that demand urgent attention and action.
