BJP alleges love jihad in Sona's suicide case in Kothamangalam

KOCHI: The BJP has claimed that the recent death of a 23-year-old woman in Kothamangalam is a case of “love jihad.” Party state vice president Shone George alleged that similar incidents are occurring across Kerala and called on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to order an impartial investigation.

The victim, TTC student Sona, was found dead by hanging in her home a few days ago. According to her suicide note, her boyfriend, Ramees, pressured her to convert to Islam in order to marry him. She further alleged that, upon her refusal, he took her to his house and subjected her to severe physical assault. Reports indicate that Sona and Ramees had been in a relationship since their days at UC College in Aluva. Her family had initially agreed to their marriage after learning about their relationship, but the note claimed that Ramees and his family insisted on religious conversion as a prerequisite for the wedding.

Police arrested Ramees following a complaint from Sona’s family. He faces charges of abetment to suicide along with offences related to harassment.