Dhanyashree, a 20-year-old B.Com student, committed suicide at her residence in Chikkamagalur, Karnataka on Saturday. The police retrieved death note that states the reason for the suicide is alleged moral policing by Hindutva factions.
The note states that a few boys, including BJP Youth Wing Leader, Anilraj, had barged inside Dhanyashree’s house and had harassed her and her mother as she had been found talking to a Muslim man. The group alleged that she was becoming a victim of ‘Love Jihad’.
The note also said that the incident had ruined her personal life and education.
Series of events
It was reported that on Friday (January 5) Dhanyashree was chatting with her friend Santhosh when the conversation steered towards the futility of fighting over caste and religion. In reply to a question asked by Santhosh, she had replied, “I love Muslims”. At first, Santhosh warned her against having any relationship with Muslims, which she opposed. Later, he shared the screenshot of their conversation with local Bajrang Dal and Visha Hindu Parishad (VHP) members. The screenshot went viral, causing mental and emotional agony to Dhanyashree and her family.
Police action
The police, after recovering the death note, have registered a case of abetment to suicide. They have arrested Anilraj, and two teams have been instructed to arrest the others involved in the incident. A massive manhunt has been launched for the main accused, Santhosh. The police also recovered the girl’s phone and discovered that picture where the girl was seen with the boy from another community was circulated widely, mostly by the pro-Hindu activists, through social media platforms.
“Many have made comments on the picture on social media platforms. We will arrest all those who harassed her either orally or through social media. We have taken the case seriously, and our teams are working to arrest all the accused”, the SP told The Hindu.
The Logical Indian take
Dhanyashree was forced to take her own life as she could not bear the harassment and bullying. It is unfortunate how in a so-called secular nation, a section of individuals dissuade inter-community interaction. Their intolerance has reached such levels that they abuse and torture those with a difference of opinion. Today, it is Dhanyashree; tomorrow it will be someone else. It is vital that start a discourse around this issues and spread a message of communal harmony.
