Tiruppur Dowry Death: Police Reveal Harassment by Husband and In-Laws in Rithanya Case
TIRUPPUR, July 2, 2025:
A police investigation into the alleged suicide of 27-year-old A. Rithanya, a newlywed from Kaikattipudur, has revealed that she was subjected to both mental and physical harassment by her husband and his family members.
Rithanya, the daughter of real estate dealer R.G. Annadurai (53), had married E. Kavinkumar (28) of Pazhangarai near Avinashi on April 11, just over two months ago. According to a statement released on Tuesday (July 1) by the Tiruppur District (Rural) Police, the probe led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Avinashi, confirmed repeated acts of cruelty inflicted on Rithanya by Kavinkumar and his parents, Eswaramoorthy and Chithradevi.
Soon after the marriage, Rithanya’s parents brought her back home due to ongoing issues between the couple. Although she was later sent back after a reconciliation attempt, Rithanya returned again on June 22, telling her family she would return to her husband’s house after a few days.
On June 28, Rithanya left her home around 9:30 a.m., saying she was heading to a temple. By 1 p.m., her parents were informed she had been found unconscious in her car at Chettipudur, with froth on her face. Despite being rushed to the Government Hospital at Avinashi, she was declared dead on arrival.
A case was registered by the Cheyur police under Section 194(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, as the death occurred within seven years of marriage. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Tiruppur, also initiated a separate inquiry.
A crucial piece of evidence in the investigation was a WhatsApp audio note Rithanya had sent to her father before her death, in which she clearly named her husband and in-laws as the cause of her suffering and ultimate decision to end her life.
Based on this, the police arrested Kavinkumar and his father Eswaramoorthy under Sections 85 (cruelty by husband or relatives) and 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is currently ongoing.
In a related development, Rithanya’s parents met with AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami to seek justice for their daughter.
