A Village Administrative Officer (VAO) allegedly ended her life, following a family dispute near Ponneri in Tiruvallur district. Her lover, who is also a VAO, lodged a complaint alleging foul play in her death as the family opposed their relationship as they belonged to different castes.

R. Aruna, 27, a native of Agaram village in the district, was working at Keerapakkam in Ponneri revenue division. On December 29, following a family dispute, Aruna allegedly attempted to end her life. She was then rushed to the the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital for treatment. She died in the hospital on Friday. 

Following the incident, Thirupalaivanam police registered a case and launched a probe into Aruna’s death. In a sudden turn of events, Sivabharathi, a VAO of Pakkam village and native of Palani, who works with Aruna, has lodged a complaint alleging that the deceased’s family members threatened both of them. He also alleged that Aruna’s family members forcibly tried to end her life, resulting in her death.

Sivabharathi said that when they informed their respective families about their intention to get married to each other, his family gave consent but Aruna’s family opposed it and put her under surveillance. “Aruna’s family told her to end her life, and she shared the message with me the next day. The family members also threatened me through calls,” he alleged.

He also claimed that Aruna contacted him through Instagram on December 30 evening while she was in Government Stanley Hospital, and told him that four of her family members physically tortured and forcibly poisoned her. She fainted subsequently and gained consciousness. Hence, she was admitted in the hospital, she told him.

During investigation, the family claimed that she ended her life after returning home on the day of occurrence. She was taken to the hospital and there was no substance in the complaint of Sivabharathi, the family alleged. Meanwhile, Sivabharathi’s phone number has been switched off. Further investigation is on.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)