Woman Dies by Suicide in Ramanathapuram After Alleged Dowry Harassment

 In a tragic incident from Veeramaichanpatti, near Perunazhi in Ramanathapuram district, 38-year-old Muneeswaran has been accused of subjecting his wife, Ranjitha, to repeated harassment over dowry demands. The couple, who had been married for 13 years, are parents to a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.

According to reports, Muneeswaran frequently assaulted Ranjitha, especially after consuming alcohol. The abuse allegedly included physical violence that left her injured on several occasions. In addition to her husband’s actions, Ranjitha’s in-laws—her father-in-law Annadurai and mother-in-law Surammal—are also accused of contributing to her mental distress.

Unable to endure the ongoing abuse, Ranjitha took the extreme step of ending her life. On Tuesday evening, while alone at home, she reportedly poured kerosene over herself and set herself on fire. Neighbours, alerted by her cries of pain, rushed to extinguish the flames and immediately took her to the government hospital in Aruppukottai.

She suffered severe burns covering approximately 70% of her body and was later transferred to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, Ranjitha succumbed to her injuries.

Prior to her death, Ranjitha had reportedly made a dying declaration attributing her decision to the relentless harassment she faced from her husband and his family over dowry.

Following a complaint lodged by Ranjitha’s family at the Perunazhi Police Station, authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation. The couple’s son further alleged that his father would return home intoxicated daily and physically abuse his mother. Family members also claimed that Annadurai, Ranjitha’s father-in-law, had been harassing her consistently and accused him of sexually harassing other women in the locality.

The police have taken these allegations seriously and are continuing their investigation into the matter.