Inability to meet dowry demand of BMW car, gold and land, 26-year-old Kerala doc kills self

Thiruvananthapuram: A 26-year-old medical professional in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, tragically took her own life, reportedly following the refusal of her boyfriend to marry her due to her family's inability to meet ‘unrealistic’ dowry demands. 

Dr. Shahana, a postgraduate student in the surgery department at Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram, passed away by suicide. Taking immediate cognizance of the incident, State Health Minister Veena George initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr Shahana's death.

Law enforcement has registered a case against the boyfriend, citing charges of abetment to suicide and violations of dowry prevention laws. Statements from the deceased woman's relatives have been recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.

The demand of 150 gold sovereigns, 15 acres of land, and a BMW car

Local media sources have reported that Dr. Shahana resided with her mother and two siblings, following the demise of her father two years ago. Dr. Shahana and Dr. EA Ruwais, her boyfriend, had plans to marry. 

However, her family alleges that Dr Ruwais' family insisted on 150 gold sovereigns, 15 acres of land, and a BMW car as dowry. Unable to meet these demands, Dr Shahana's family claims that the wedding was called off by her boyfriend's family. This turn of events deeply distressed the young doctor, leading to her decision to end her own life. A suicide note discovered at her residence stated, "Everyone wants money only."

In response to the gravity of the situation, the state Health Minister has directed the Women and Child Development Department to provide a detailed report on the allegations of dowry demands. 

Additionally, the state Minority Commission, led by AA Rasheed, is actively investigating the matter. On December 14, the commission summoned the district collector, the city police commissioner, and the director of medical education to present a comprehensive report on the incident.

Police detain friend who backed out of marriage

Two days after Shahana’s suicide, police on Thursday took into custody a doctor who had allegedly backed out of their marriage proposal recently as her family couldn't meet the demand for hefty dowry from Karunagappally early today, police said. 

Ruwise was arrested under the anti-dowry prohibition act. 

Based on the complaint, the police registered a case on Wednesday against E A Ruwise, resident trainee doctor and state president of Kerala Medical Post Graduate Association. 

(With PTI inputs)