New Delhi
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has expressed profound concern over the apparent suicide of a young doctor in Thiruvananthapuram, allegedly linked to dowry demands, and has called for a detailed action taken report from the Kerala police within five days. The commission emphasizes the need to invoke relevant sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the FIR if the allegations are substantiated.
The incident involves a postgraduate student from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College who was taken into custody for his alleged role in the death of 26-year-old doctor Shahana. Shahana’s family claims that the accused, identified as Ruvaiz, and his family demanded an exorbitant dowry, including gold, land, and a BMW car. The male doctor now faces charges of abetment to suicide under the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Shahana, a PG student in the surgery department, had a relationship with Ruvaiz, and they had planned to marry. However, the male doctor reportedly withdrew the proposal after Shahana’s family couldn’t meet his dowry demands due to financial constraints. The purported suicide note, found at Shahana’s apartment, pointed to Ruvaiz’s role in the tragedy. Kerala Health Minister Veena George has directed an investigation into the allegations, and the women’s commission chairperson, Sathidevi, is demanding a serious inquiry. The medical PG doctors association has also removed the accused doctor from all responsibilities within their organization. The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for addressing dowry-related issues and ensuring the protection of women’s rights.
