46-year-old woman commits suicide following constant loan harassment by retired policeman, wife

PARAVUR: A 46-year-old woman committed suicide by jumping into the river after allegedly facing persistent harassment from a retired policeman and his wife over repayment of interest. The deceased, Asha, wife of Benny, was a native of Pulikathara house near Pokkath Temple, Kottuvally South, Ernakulam. She was upset over constant threats from retired police driver Pradeep Kumar of Kottuvally and his wife Bindu.

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 suicide note was handed over to the Paravur Police by her family.

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. The body is kept at Paravur Taluk Hospital mortuary.

Children: Godson (Tata Motors, Cheranalloor), Jeevani (student).