The tragic suicide of 27-year-old Ridhanya in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur district has once again sparked widespread outrage over dowry-related cruelty and domestic violence. A victim of sustained mental and physical abuse at the hands of her husband and in-laws, Ridhanya ended her life by consuming pesticide on Sunday, leaving behind haunting voice messages holding her abusers accountable.
Married just three months ago to 28-year-old Kavin Kumar, Ridhanya came from a well-off family—her father, Annadurai, a successful garment entrepreneur, had reportedly provided 100–300 sovereigns of gold, a Rs 70 lakh Volvo SUV, and even promised more as dowry. Yet, police say the harassment began barely ten days into the marriage.
Ridhanya’s family alleges that her husband and his parents—Eswaramoorthy and Chithradevi—repeatedly demanded more dowry and subjected her to degrading punishments, including physical abuse and prolonged standing as a form of torture.
On Sunday, she told her family she was visiting a temple. Instead, she parked her car near Seyur, consumed sulphas tablets, and was later found unconscious by locals. She died at the Avinashi Government Hospital, and her body was sent for autopsy.
In multiple voice notes to her father, she said, “My husband and his family are the reason for this. I have suffered enough.” She also expressed heartbreak over letting down her parents, saying, “You and mom are my world… I’m sorry, everything is over.”
The incident triggered protests outside the hospital, with her relatives demanding immediate justice. The accused have been arrested for abetment to suicide, and an official inquiry is underway.