Kerala Doctor’s Tragic Suicide: Wedding Called Off Due to BMW and Gold Demands

A 26-year-old doctor in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has tragically died by suicide after her boyfriend refused to marry her due to her family’s inability to meet dowry demands. The deceased, identified as Dr. Shahana, was pursuing a postgraduate course at the surgery department of Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. State health minister Veena George has ordered an investigation into her death.

The police have filed a case against the boyfriend under charges of abetment to suicide and dowry prevention laws. Statements from the woman’s relatives have been recorded as part of the investigation. According to local media reports, Dr. Shahana lived with her mother and two siblings. Her father, who worked in the Gulf, passed away two years ago. She was in a relationship with Dr. EA Ruwais, and the couple had plans to marry.

Dr. Shahana’s family alleges that Dr. Ruwais’ family demanded 150 gold sovereigns, 15 acres of land, and a BMW car as dowry. When her family expressed their inability to fulfill these demands, Dr. Ruwais’ family called off the wedding, leading to immense distress for the young doctor. Residents in the area claim that a suicide note found at her apartment read, “Everyone wants money only”.

The health minister has instructed the state Women and Child Development department to submit a report on the allegations of dowry demand. Additionally, the state Minority Commission is also investigating the matter. The commission’s chairperson, AA Rasheed, has summoned the district collector, the city police commissioner, and the director of medical education to appear before the commission on December 14 and provide a report.

P Sathidevi, the chairperson of the state women’s commission, visited Dr. Shahana’s family and expressed that strong measures need to be taken if the mental distress caused by dowry demands led the young doctor to take her own life. The incident highlights the urgent need to address the issue of dowry in society and protect vulnerable individuals from its harmful consequences.