This incident has left the local community in deep sorrow, and further inquiries are underway to understand the circumstances that led to this devastating outcome.
Published Oct 10, 2024 | 6:24 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 10, 2024 | 6:24 PM
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In Mathagupatti, a young college student was murdered by a man who later took his own life, causing shockwaves in the local community. The police from Mathagupatti have initiated an investigation into the incident.
The victim, Monisha (24), was a resident of Melatheru in Mathagupatti and a student at the Government Arts College in Sivagangai. According to sources, Akash (26), a resident of Peranmalai near Singampunari, had reportedly been stalking Monisha. According, to the police, Akash had approached her family with a marriage proposal, but the proposal was rejected by her parents.
Unable to take no for an answer from a woman, Akash visited Monisha’s residence in Mathagupatti. Finding her alone, he again forced her to accept his ‘love’ and marry him. This led to a heated argument between the two. An enraged Akash fatally assaulted Monisha, who succumbed to injuries on the spot. Later, Akash took his own life.
The Mathagupatti police, upon receiving information about the incident, arrived at the scene and recovered the bodies of both Monisha and Akash. The bodies have been sent to the Sivagangai Government Medical College Hospital for autopsy. Police have registered a case and are conducting a detailed investigation into the tragic incident.
This incident has left the local community in deep sorrow, and further inquiries are underway to understand the circumstances that led to this devastating outcome.
A police officer from the SP office in Sivagangai informed South First that the investigation is ongoing to uncover more details. However, on the surface, it appears to be a clear case of stalking. The officer emphasised the need for thorough inquiries to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to a comprehensive analysis of crimes against women in India: An examination of NCRB 2023, it stated that from 2022 and 2023, there is a higher markup crime against women in Tamil Nadu and across India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), crimes against women in India rose by 4% in 2022, with over 4.26 lakh cases registered nationwide. In Tamil Nadu specifically, there were 9,207 reported cases of crimes against women in 2022, reflecting an increase compared to previous years. Notably, the southern states, including Tamil Nadu, have seen an overall rise in such incidents since 2020 and 2021.
The same report states that key types of crimes against women include cruelty by husbands or their families, rape, dowry deaths, and cyber crimes. Nationally, cyber crimes targeting women, including blackmail, defamation, and the transmission of explicit material, increased by 11% in 2022. Tamil Nadu recorded 17,813 cybercrime cases, indicating an alarming rise in digital abuse against women. The number of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act also surged by 14%, underscoring the severity of crimes against minors.
1. Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 354D: Specifically deals with stalking, making it punishable with imprisonment and fines.
2. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005): Provides protection against domestic violence, which can include emotional abuse and harassment.
3. Criminal Law (Amendment) Act (2013): Strengthened laws on sexual assault and harassment, enhancing penalties for offenders.
4. POSCO Act (2012): Protects minors from sexual offences, including stalking.
Furthermore, according to a recent report from South First, an advocate from Tamil Nadu has raised concerns about the inadequacies of support systems for women facing stalking and harassment. She questioned, “In cases of stalking, what is a woman supposed to do?” criticising the emergency helplines for being ineffective and often unreachable.
The advocate highlighted that police responses frequently amount to mere warnings for perpetrators, which can escalate the situation rather than provide protection. “These warnings can embolden the aggressors,” she noted, reflecting the helplessness many women feel.
She also pointed out the lack of trained professionals in counselling services, which fail to address the emotional trauma survivors experience. The need for a comprehensive review of these support systems is urgent to ensure they effectively protect women and deter harassment. Survivors often report long-term effects, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emphasising the critical need for systemic change.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
