A 31-year-old woman killed herself allegedly due to dowry demand and sexual harassment by her father-in-law.  

According to police, M. Ranjitha was married to A. Muneeswaran, 38, of Veeramachanpatti near Kamuthi, about 13 years ago.  

The mother of a 12-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter had suffered sexual harassment from her father-in-law R. Annadurai, 60, over the last few years, the police added.  

Even when she had informed her husband and mother-in-law A. Soorammal about the behaviour of Arumugam, they had asked her to remain shut and keep it with herself, the police said.  

On Tuesday, when her husband and mother-in-law were away from home, she was again subjected to harassment by Arumugam. Unable to control her emotions, she locked herself in a room and tried to kill herself.  

Hearing the loud cry, neighbours rushed her to the Arupukkottai Government Hospital. From there she was referred to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. With burn injuries, she was moved to GRH.  

While undergoing treatment at GRH, she succumbed to injuries on Tuesday night.  

Following this, Perunazhi police registered a case against the victim’s husband, father-in-law, and mother-in-law. Further investigation is under way. 

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us helpline at 9375493754.)