Kerala doctor dies by suicide, wedding cancelled over BMW, gold demand

Digital Desk: In a heartbreaking incident, a 26-year-old doctor named Dr Shahana has reportedly died by suicide in  Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The tragedy unfolded after her boyfriend, Dr EA Ruwais, allegedly refused to marry her due to her family's inability to meet dowry demands. Dr Shahana, a postgraduate student at the Government Medical College, took this extreme step, leaving the local community in shock.

The police have taken action by registering a case against Dr Ruwais under charges of abetment to suicide and violations of dowry prevention laws. He has been detained pending further investigation. The shocking demands from Dr Ruwais' family, including 150 gold sovereigns, 15 acres of land, and a BMW car, were reportedly too much for Dr Shahana's family to fulfill. 

Unable to meet these demands, her boyfriend's family canceled the wedding, leading to the devastating outcome.

Dr Shahana's suicide note, discovered at her apartment, contained poignant words: "Everyone wants money only." This grim message underscores the societal pressure and materialistic expectations that contribute to the persistence of dowry-related issues in many parts of India.

State health minister Veena George has ordered a probe into the incident, and the Women and Child Development Department is tasked with investigating the allegations of dowry demand. The state Minority Commission is also involved, with the chairperson calling for authorities to submit a comprehensive report on the matter.

The incident has prompted reflection on the urgent need for societal change and legal measures to combat dowry-related pressures. 

The state women's commission chairperson, P Sathidevi, emphasized the importance of taking strong steps if dowry demands indeed played a role in pushing the young doctor to suicide. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the toll that archaic practices can take on individuals' mental health and underscores the necessity for collective efforts to eradicate such regressive customs.