Ridhanya, a 27-year-old woman from Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, died by suicide on June 29 after suffering continuous dowry-related abuse in her marital home. Married just three months ago in April, Ridhanya had reportedly given 800 grams of gold and a Volvo car to her husband Kavin Kumar as part of the marriage arrangement.
In the days before her death, she sent seven heart-wrenching WhatsApp voice notes to her father, describing the emotional torment and mental harassment she endured. These messages now stand as chilling evidence of the abuse she faced.
Her tragic death has reignited public outrage over the ongoing threat of dowry harassment — a practice outlawed decades ago but still deeply entrenched, even among affluent and educated families.
Police have launched a probe and are expected to book the accused under dowry prohibition and abetment to suicide laws.
Ridhanya’s story is a grim reminder of the urgent need for stronger enforcement, community awareness, and zero tolerance for abuse disguised as tradition.