On September 25, a 26-year-old Dalit woman succumbed to her injuries inflicted upon her by an ex-lover in Nizamabad, Telangana. The victim allegedly distanced herself from the accused after he started forcing her to convert to Islam. Irked over her decision, the accused beat her mercilessly and ultimately she died.
The victim has been identified as Teja Sri, who worked as a beedi worker, whereas the accused has been identified as Mohammad Imran, a worker at the chicken shop. The duo lived in the same neighbourhood.
As per a report published in Hindu Post, the victim and the accused were in a romantic relationship, however, when the accused started pressuring the victim to convert to Islam she cut ties with him. There were multiple reasons to this breakup and not just the conversion demand. He was also a drug addict. (Some media reports call him Toufiq and Ghouse)
The distressing event occurred on the night of September 23, when Teja Sri had mentioned she was heading out to roll beedis. As time went on, her family became increasingly worried when she didn’t return. At approximately 11:30 p.m., they found her unconscious near her aunt’s house in Jakranpally. Teja Sri was promptly taken to a hospital in Armoor and subsequently moved to the government hospital in Nizamabad, where she required ventilator support due to her severe injuries.
The family soon contacted Imran, who initially dismissed all allegations saying she jumped off his bike on their way back home. But when the family lodged a formal complaint against him, he confessed to his crime.
It is alleged that on the unfortunate day, Imran coerced her out of the house, forcibly taking her on his bike to a secluded location where he subjected her to an assault. Her attempt to escape the bike and subsequent altercation resulted in critical injuries.
Sadly, Teja Sri’s condition worsened after being admitted to the hospital, and she tragically passed away while receiving treatment at a local private hospital on September 25.
Media outlets have presented varying accounts of the incident. Some suggest that investigations point to Imran’s concerns about Teja Sri’s reputation, particularly regarding her overnight stay at an out-of-town wedding. The police have also dismissed any communal aspects, despite clear indications.
In an interview with reporters, Teja Sri’s mother stated, “I will now have to take care of my other daughter,” reflecting on the tragedy that befell her elder child.
The police have filed a case and launched a comprehensive investigation to nab the accused. The mainstream news media’s reluctance to report incidents accurately and the police’s reluctance to consider potential communal aspects, dismissing such grave incidents as acts of a “jilted lover,” downplay the gravity of the situation.
