Chennai:
The Madurai Police in Tamil Nadu has arrested the parents of a young woman who had eloped with a Dalit man for suspected dishonor killing. The parents claim their daughter committed suicide and had cremated her body without informing the police.
21-year-old Vimala Devi, from the dominant Kallar community, had eloped with a Dalit man in July. Her parents, who opposed the relationship, then approached a local court. After the court intervened, Vimala, willingly, returned to her parent's house a couple of months ago.
Last night, Vimala's family cremated her, alleging she had hanged herself. They, however, did not inform the police. The parents have now been arrested following a complaint by the Village Administrative Officer.
Forensic experts have collected samples and are investigating the death.
"We are probing whether the parents had abetted the suicide. Of course we are looking at all angles," District Superintendent of Police Vijayendra Bidari told NDTV.
Though the Madras High Court had directed the state government to provide security to inter caste couples seeking protection after a similar case last year, only the Dalit man's village in neighboring Dindigul district was given security. Authorities say the young woman was not provided security as she was only with her parents.
Her husband, Dileep Kumar, says "We were in love for a year and a half. First we went to Kerala and returned to Usilampatti after their lawyers threatened to kill us. Once one of them even said being a Pallan (Dalit community) do you need Kallar (a dominant community) girl?"
Natrajan, an activist, says "Authorities have a tendency to provide security purely to avert law and order problem over this inter caste relationship issue. They should instead start looking at upholding rights of the individuals to marry the person of their choice".