In a shocking turn of events, a 19-year-old girl, Ishwaraya, has become the victim of a suspected honour killing in Tamil Nadu’s Neivavidhuthi village. The Vattathikottai police, acting on a complaint filed by the victim’s husband, B Naveen, have registered a case under sections 302 (murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code against the girl’s father, Perumal of Neivavidhuthi, and some of his relatives.
The distressing incident unfolded after Naveen, belonging to the scheduled caste community, married Ishwaraya on December 31, 2023, in Tirupur. Both were employed at a garment factory, and the couple rented a house in Tirupur district to start their married life. Their love story dates back to their school days, and garnered attention after their wedding video went viral on social media.
The trouble began when Ishwaraya’s father, Perumal, learned of the marriage and lodged a missing person complaint with the Palladam police. Seeking to separate the newlyweds, the couple relocated to Veerapandi on January 1, 2024. Despite their efforts, the police traced Ishwaraya and handed her over to her father on January 2, 2024.
Allegations surfaced that the police, possibly under pressure, forced Ishwaraya to return home against her will. Distraught and unaware of the tragic events, Naveen, upon his return to his native place, was misled by the police, who claimed that Ishwaraya had willingly returned home.
Tragically, on January 3, Ishwaraya’s life was cut short, allegedly at the hands of her father and relatives. It is claimed that they murdered her and cremated the body. In response to these grievous accusations, the police are currently on the lookout for Perumal and his relatives, who face charges of murder and tampering with evidence.
In an effort to maintain law and order, a significant police presence has been deployed in the tension-laden Neivavidhuthi and Poovalur villages to prevent any untoward incidents. The entire community is left grappling with the shocking incident, shedding light on the urgent need to address issues related to caste dynamics and honor killings in the region.
