In a heart-wrenching incident, a 26-year-old doctor in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, identified as Shahana, has taken her own life allegedly due to the cancellation of her wedding. The distressing turn of events is attributed to the purported failure of her family to meet substantial dowry demands set by her boyfriend’s family.
Shahana, a postgraduate student in the surgery department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, was discovered lifeless in her rented apartment on December 5, intensifying an already devastating situation for her family. Her father’s recent demise, coupled with the alleged dowry-related troubles, has left the family grappling with an overwhelming burden.
Relatives claim that Shahana’s boyfriend, also a doctor and a representative of the Medical PG Doctors Association, called off the wedding after the family couldn’t fulfill the significant dowry requests. The demands reportedly included gold, land, and even a luxury car, adding financial strain to Shahana’s bereaved family.
The Medical College Police has initiated an inquiry, registering the case as an unnatural death. Kerala Health Minister Veena George has responded to the incident by instructing the Women and Child Development department to conduct a thorough investigation and furnish a comprehensive report.
Moreover, Kerala Women’s Commission Chairperson, Sathidevi, visited Shahana’s grieving mother, emphasizing the need for a meticulous inquiry. If substantiated, the allegations of dowry demands could lead to legal actions under the Prevention of Dowry Act.
The state Minority Commission has independently initiated an inquiry into the matter based on media reports, signaling a broader concern about dowry-related issues in the region.
In response to the allegations against the doctor involved, the Medical PG Doctors Association has relieved him of all responsibilities within the organization.
This tragic incident underscores the deep-seated challenges surrounding dowry demands, bringing attention to the need for societal and legal reforms to prevent such devastating outcomes in the future. The loss of a promising young life has ignited calls for justice and a collective introspection into the societal issues that contribute to such tragedies.
