Vismaya, a 24-year-old Ayurveda Medical student, was found hanging from the window of a bathroom in Kumar’s house on June 21, 2021.
Only a few days prior to her death, Vismaya had sent pictures of bruises and wounds on her body to her relatives through WhatsApp claiming that she was being harassed by her husband for dowry. Screenshots of the WhatsApp chat and voice notes sent by her were shared by her family after she was found dead.
She had allegedly suffered the injuries due to the physical abuse meted out to her by Kumar and his family due to dissatisfaction over the “gifts” given to them for their wedding.
While the early reports alleged suicide, it was later investigated as a potential homicide.
Kumar was denied bail by the Sasthamcotta Judicial First Class Magistrate and later by the Kerala High Court.
The death of the 24-year-old Ayurveda Medical student had sparked outrage across Kerala and renewed the discussion on prevalence of dowry related harassment, abuse and death in the State.
Leaders of all parties, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had strongly condemned the incident with Vijayan releasing a statement that called for reforms to rid society of dowry system.
In a circular issued on July 16, 2021, the government had also ordered all Heads of Departments of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), autonomous bodies, cultural and other institutions under the government to obtain a declaration from all male government servants within one month from the wedding of such person, that he has not taken any dowry in connection with his marriage.
Source: Barandbench
