Romance during UC college days, police arrest from lodge; Kerala shocked by TTC student Sona's death

KOTHAMANGALAM: A TTC student in Kothamangalam committed suicide due to torture from her boyfriend to convert religion. The suicide note of Sona Eldhose (23) describes the torture she went through at the hands of her partner, Thoppilparampil Rameez (24), a native of Panayikulam in Paravur taluk. Rameez was taken to police custody on Monday. His mother and family members will also be implicated in the case. A friend of Rameez, mentioned in the suicide note, may also be made an accused. Karukadom native Sona hanged herself inside her house on Saturday. The suicide note clearly mentions the torture from Rameez and his family members to convert her religion to Islam. Sona faced further physical torture from Rameez for resisting.

Sona was raised and educated by her mother, Bindu, who took care of her family with the meagre pay she earned by working as a domestic help. Three months ago, Sona's father, Eldhose, drowned in a pond. During this time, Sona faced physical and mental abuse from her boyfriend. A few days ago, Rameez brought Sona home, locked her in a room, threatened her, and forced her to convert. It was only after the death that Sona’s family learned of the truth from Johnsy, a friend of the victim.

Sona and Rameez fell in love while studying at Aluva UC College. Their families knew about the relationship and agreed to the marriage, but the sudden death of Eldhose made them delay the marriage until next year. A month ago, Rameez was caught by police at a lodge for engaging in an immoral activity. Despite being dejected over the news, Sona was not ready to back out of the marriage as she loved and cared for him. Rameez agreed to marriage but asked Sona to convert first. He also tried to take her to a conversion centre in Ponnani. Sona resisted vociferously, which made Rameez take her to his house and beat her up. Sona had informed her friend Johnsy of the torture and asked her for help. Jhonsy contacted Rameez and threatened that she would reveal the news to Sona’s family, which made the youngster allow Sona to leave his house.

As per the suicide note, Rameez even approved Sona’s decision to end her life when she brought the topic to him. Based on the mention in the suicide note, Rameez' parents are also being made accused in the case. An investigation has also been launched into Rameez' friends.

From the suicide note:

“I can't live like this. I was cheated. I forgave Rameez when he was arrested. But he proved time and again that he didn't love me. He forced me to change my religion. I hope my mother and brother will forgive me”