Tragic end to newlywed life in Chennai
Two recent suicides in Tamil Nadu have put a spotlight on ongoing dowry-related abuse.
Lokeshwari, 24, died just three days after her wedding in Ponneri when her husband's family allegedly demanded more gold and an air conditioner than what her family could provide.
In another case, Ridhanya, 27, from Tiruppur, ended her life two months after marriage despite bringing significant dowry—including gold—citing ongoing physical and mental abuse from her husband and in-laws.
Lokeshwari's family says she was pressured over dowry demands
Lokeshwari's family says she was pressured over dowry demands before taking the extreme step; the groom's side denies this.
Police are investigating both cases—Ridhanya had even sent audio messages to her father describing the abuse before she died.
These tragedies have sparked fresh conversations about how dowry expectations continue to harm young women in India today.