The recent suicide of 22-year-old Sharmila adds another tragic chapter to the suspected honour killing of her husband, Praveen, in Pallikaranai. Sharmila’s brother, Dinesh, and four others hacked Praveen to death near a Tasmac outlet on February 23. Allegedly, the murder was due to their disapproval of the inter-caste marriage.
Despite Sharmila’s demand, only her brother and his associates were arrested. Feeling abandoned by the justice system, Sharmila attempted suicide on April 14, and succumbed to her injuries on Monday night. Her mother-in-law accused the police of favoring Sharmila’s family, alleging their support led to Sharmila’s tragic demise. The Pallikaranai police have initiated an investigation into Sharmila’s death.