Woman's suicide in Paravur: Neighbours to face abetment to suicide charges

KOCHI: Police have decided to register a case of abetment to suicide in connection with the death of Asha, a Paravur native who committed suicide by jumping into a river following alleged harassment from neighbours who had lent her money. Her neighbour Bindu and Bindu’s husband Pradeep Kumar will face charges. In a suicide note recovered from her home, Asha stated that the couple had repeatedly threatened her, prompting police action.

The post-mortem examination is being conducted at Paravur Taluk Hospital. Investigators revealed that a financial transaction of Rs 10 lakh had taken place between Asha and Bindu. However, Asha's family was not aware of it. Police are also investigating where Bindu got such a large sum of money.

Pradeep Kumar, Bindu’s husband, is a former police driver who was suspended after being accused of accepting bribes in the 2018 custodial murder case. Due to the pending case, he has not been eligible for retirement benefits and is currently earning a living by driving an auto-rickshaw. Police said his and Bindu’s financial dealings will also come under scrutiny.

Asha (46), the wife of Benny of Kottuvally South, was found dead near the temple at Pokkath on Tuesday. According to police, Asha left behind a four-page suicide note explaining how Pradeep Kumar and Bindu repeatedly threatened her despite having repaid double the borrowed sum. The note also alleged that the couple tried to malign her children’s reputation. The family has handed over the suicide note to the Paravur Police.

In 2022, Asha had borrowed Rs 10 lakh from Bindu for building a house. Although she later repaid nearly twice the amount, the couple allegedly demanded more money. Unable to bear the pressure, Asha attempted suicide on August 11 by slitting her wrist. She survived after treatment, but on returning home, was again allegedly coerced to sign a document on stamp paper claiming she still owed Rs 18 lakh, which she refused.

As the threats continued, she complained to the Aluva SP. The SP directed the Paravur Circle Inspector to investigate. Police called both parties and instructed them that if there was a dispute, they should go to court, and that Pradeep Kumar and Bindu should not create trouble at Asha’s house.

However, on Monday night at around 8 pm, Pradeep Kumar and Bindu again came to her house and caused problems. Relatives said Asha even called the helpline number 112, but the police did not arrive.

By Tuesday afternoon, when only her daughter was at home, Asha went out. As she did not return for a long time, the daughter went to the nearby riverbank and found her mother’s slippers. Fire force later recovered the body from the river.