In a heart-wrenching incident in Thanjavur, a 19-year-old woman lost her life in an alleged Honor killing, perpetrated by her own family, just days after she married a man from Dalit community. Police have taken into custody 11 relatives of the deceased woman in connection with the case.

The couple, Naveen, a 19-year-old Dalit, and Aishwarya, from a caste Hindu background, had shared a bond since their school days and were colleagues in Tiruppur. After nurturing an 18-month relationship, they decided to formalise their union in matrimony. Anticipating resistance from Aishwarya’s family, the couple sought the assistance of friends to solemnise their marriage on December 31, 2023. Post their nuptials, they relocated to Veerapandi in Theni district to begin their married life.

Tragically, Aishwarya’s parents filed a missing person report, prompting Palladam Police to locate her at Naveen’s residence. On January 2, against the couple’s wishes, Aishwarya was taken back to her parental home.

Devastating news struck on January 3 when Naveen discovered that Aishwarya had passed away and was subsequently cremated. Responding to this shocking revelation, Naveen filed a police complaint on January 7 at Vattathikottai Police Station, holding Aishwarya’s family accountable for his wife’s untimely demise.

In response to the filed complaint, an FIR has been registered under Sections 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of an offence or giving false information to screen the offender) and 302 (punishment for murder). Police has detained eleven relatives of the deceased woman for their alleged involvement in this tragic incident.

Adding a poignant layer to the case, Naveen submitted a video documenting their marriage as a poignant piece of evidence.