Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu: In a tragic case of alleged dowry harassment, 27-year-old Ridhanya, the daughter of a garment company owner, died by suicide on Sunday in Tiruppur. Her death has sparked outrage and grief, with her family demanding strict action against those responsible.
Ridhanya was married just three months ago, in April 2025, to 28-year-old Kavin Kumar. The marriage reportedly involved a dowry of 100 sovereigns (800 grams) of gold and a Volvo car worth ₹70 lakh.
On Sunday, she left home saying she was going to a temple in Mondipalayam. But on the way, she stopped her car and consumed pesticide tablets, according to police. Locals found her car parked for a long time and alerted the authorities. She was found dead inside the vehicle, with foam at her mouth.
Before her death, Ridhanya reportedly sent seven heartbreaking audio messages to her father Annadurai, apologising and revealing the mental and physical torture she faced from her husband and in-laws.
In one message, she said, “This marriage was a plan by Kavin and his parents. I can’t bear the daily mental torture anymore. People tell me to adjust, but they don’t understand my pain.”
In another, she added, “They are mentally assaulting me and he is torturing me physically. I did not do anything wrong. I don’t want to be a burden. I can’t live like this anymore.”
Ridhanya told her parents, “You and mom are my world. But I’ve hurt you. I’m sorry, everything is over now. I’m leaving.”
Her father, Annadurai, shared these audio clips with the media and demanded justice. “They deceived us, pretending to be a good family. My daughter suffered so much. You would cry hearing her pain.”
He revealed that Ridhanya had returned to her parental home twice after the wedding due to abuse. Each time, she was sent back after assurances from her in-laws. But the torture only got worse, he said.
Annadurai claimed the in-laws had locked her up, demanded more gold, and compared their dowry to others. “They told her other families gave ₹100 crore. They even asked about 500 sovereigns of gold,” he alleged.
Police have now arrested Kavin Kumar, his father Eswaramoorthy, and mother Chithradevi. A case has been registered, and a detailed investigation is underway.
Ridhanya’s body has been sent for post-mortem at the District Government Hospital. Her shattered family and relatives gathered outside, demanding justice and stricter laws against dowry abuse.
“No other girl should suffer like my daughter,” said Annadurai. “I want justice—not just for Ridhanya, but for all daughters.”
