A 26-year-old doctor committed suicide in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, allegedly after her boyfriend refused to marry her as her family could not meet dowry demands. State Health Minister Veena George has ordered an inquiry into the death of Dr Shahana, who was pursuing a post-graduate course at the Department of Surgery, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.
The police have registered a case against the lover under the Abetment to Suicide and Dowry Prevention Act. They recorded the statement of the woman’s relatives.
According to local media reports, Dr. Shahana lived with her mother and two siblings. His father, who worked in the Gulf, died two years ago. She was in a relationship with Dr. EA Ruwais and the two decided to get married.
Dr. Shahana’s family alleged that Dr. Ruwais’ family demanded 150 gold ornaments, 15 acres of land and a BMW car as dowry. When Dr Shahana’s family said they could not meet the demand, her boyfriend’s family called off the wedding, Mathrubhumi reported. This upset the young doctor and she committed suicide, local residents alleged. A suicide note found in her apartment read, “Everybody just wants money”, it was reported.
The health minister has said the state Women and Child Development department has been asked to submit a report on the allegations of dowry demand.
The State Minority Commission is also looking into the matter. Chairperson of the panel AA Rasheed has asked the district collector, city police commissioner and director of medical education to appear before the commission on December 14 and submit the report.
State Women’s Commission Chairperson P Sathidevi visited Dr Shahana’s house and met the family. Ms Sathidevi said strict action should be taken if the emotional agony caused by dowry demands pushed the young doctor to commit suicide.
