A newly-wed woman on Thursday sought the help of City Police Commissioner S George to take action against her husband and his family for dowry harassment.
Speaking to reporters, family members of the bride said that Kovendhan, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, working as third-officer in the Indian Embassy based in Portugal, married Pavithra after taking Rs 7.5 lakhs in cash towards dowry on Wednesday. Soon after the marriage, the officer and his family allegedly sought four more lakhs towards dowry, besides insisting that the family book his flight ticket to Portugal that would cost another Rs 1.5 lakh. The family charged that the groom’s family abandoned the bride in the marriage hall itself as the bride’s family could not afford the huge sum.
The bride’s father Panneerselvam said that the groom’s family abused them in the presence of their relatives for not being able to pay the amount. The bride’s family said Kovendhan had harassed the girl even before the marriage seeking her Facebook password and also inquired if she had any boyfriend during her college days. The demand for the huge sum as dowry had led the family to cancel the wedding on a previous occasion.
A subsequent proposal with a doctor was dropped as anonymous callers to the groom-to-be painted Pavithra in a bad-light. In sequel, the present marriage proposal was revived following reconciliation initiated by Kovendhan’s family.
Prior to the marriage, the family had organised a grand reception that was attended by civil servants serving in various capacities.
The bride’s family claimed that they spent Rs 8 lakh towards the wedding, besides the cash dowry. They said that Pavithra now chose to pursue higher education.
Pavithra, who came to the Commissionerate, presented her petition during the grievance redressal meeting praying for action against the groom.
Police sources said that the petition has been forwarded for action.