Dr Ruwais arrested in suicide of Shehna; health university will cancel degree if crime proven

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr Ruwais, friend of Dr Shehna, a PG student of medical college, has been arrested in connection with her suicide. He was arrested by the medical college police. He will be produced in the court this evening. He will be produced in the court this evening. Ruwais was taken into custody from his relative's house at Karunagapally in Kollam this morning. He was arrested after hours of questioning.

There was a search for him in the hostel and houses of his relatives earlier, but he could not be found. A case was registered against him under non-bailable section on the charge of abetment to suicide. He had promised to marry her. Her relatives alleged that he withdrew from the relationship after making sure that her family is not able to give the huge dowry demanded. Following this, she ended her life. He is a native of Shakthikulangara in Kollam. The police had obtained information that if there is a delay in taking him into custody, he is likely to move an anticipatory bail.

Meantime, Dr Mohanan Kunnumal, the vice-chancellor of health university said that if the court finds him guilty, his MBBS degree would be annulled. He told a media that an affidavit is taken from all students at the time of admission that their degrees would be cancelled if found to have received, given or encouraged dowry. The affidavit is taken from the students agreeing to cancellation of course and cancellation of degree if found guilty under the Dowry Prohibition Act. Initially it was taken from all students together. Now principal accepts the affidavit at the beginning of every batch. The VC said that it is not clear whether it will be legally viable.