In a deeply tragic incident, Poojappura police have detained a 19-year-old teenager of Nedumangad in connection with the suicide of an 18-year-old student and social media influencer.
The deceased, who attempted suicide on June 10, passed away on Sunday night while undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. The charge pertains to their physical relationship which occurred when the girl was still a minor. She had celebrated her 18th birthday on February 28.
The police had initially registered a case of unnatural death under Section 174 of the CrPC. However, following a complaint lodged by the victim’s parents, the suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities are now considering additional charges of abetment to suicide under Section 306 of the IPC
Initial investigations suggest that the troubled relationship between the girl and the accused played a key role in her death. After their relationship ended, the girl reportedly faced severe online bullying. At first, people thought she committed suicide due to academic pressure after failing her Class XII exams. However, police later found that the breakup and cyberbullying were the main reasons.
The victim’s Instagram account, which had amassed over 100,000 followers, contained numerous comments that underscored the cyberbullying she endured. A suicide note recovered by the police revealed her wish for her parents and brother to find happiness despite her absence.
The Poojappura community mourns the loss of a young life and looks forward to justice being served, with hopes that it will deter such tragic events in the future.