In Thanjavur, a 19-year-old woman named Aishwarya was allegedly killed by her family members just days after she secretly married a man from another caste. The police have detained 11 relatives of the woman.
Aishwarya, a caste Hindu, and Naveen, 19, a Dalit, had been acquainted since their school days and worked together in Tiruppur. Despite facing potential resistance, the couple, who had been in a relationship for 18 months, decided to tie the knot. They sought the help of friends and managed to get married on December 31, 2023.
Fearing backlash, the newlyweds relocated to Veerapandi in the Theni district. However, Aishwarya’s parents filed a missing complaint, and Palladam Police traced her to Naveen’s residence. On January 2, Aishwarya was taken back home by her parents.
On January 3, Naveen discovered that Aishwarya had passed away and had already been cremated. In response, Naveen filed a police complaint on January 7 at Vattathikottai Police Station, accusing Aishwarya’s family of responsibility for his wife’s death.
An FIR has been registered under Sections 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of an offence or giving false information to screen the offender) and 302 (punishment for murder). The police have detained 11 relatives in connection with the case.
Naveen submitted a video of their marriage as evidence.
