A 23 year old Woman in Kerela died by suicide, accusing her boyfriend and his family of pressuring her to change her religion before marriage
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala:
In a tragic turn, police in Ernakulam district (Kerela), are investigating the death of Sona Eldose, a TTC Student from Kothamangalam. She was found hanging in her home on Saturday, with a suicide note alleging that her boyfriend, Rameez and her family repeatedly pressured her to convert to their religion as a precondition for marriage.
Initial reports say Sona and Rameez had planned to get married, but problems began when she refused to change her religion. In her suicide note, Sona wrote that even though she had earlier forgiven Rameez for serious wrongdoings, including “immoral trafficking,” he and his family kept pressuring her. She said they tricked her into coming with them by saying they would register their marriage, but instead they forced her to convert and kept her confined against her will.
Sona’s family claim she had become extremely disturbed in the days leading up to her death, telling them all about her fears on how the pressure mounted on her. Police confirmed the arrest of Rameez on charges of abetment to suicide, wrongful confinement and physical assault. Officials are also investigating whether other associates and family members added to the continuous harassment.
The case sparked an uproar and discussions regarding forced conversions in inter-faith relationships. People are demanding stronger and stricter laws to help secure individual protection from religious coercion concerning marriage.