TENKASI: In a suspected honour killing attempt, a 51-year-old man from the MBC community allegedly attacked his daughter and her BC-community husband with a sickle on Thursday night.
The assault, driven by the attacker’s opposition to their inter-caste marriage, took place at Sivagamipuram near Pavoorchatram in Tenkasi. The couple, who fell in love during their college days, had wed four months ago despite intense opposition from the bride’s parents.
The accused, E Murugan of Vadakku Ariyanayagipuram in Tirunelveli, has been arrested, and a case has been registered against him under BNS section 109 (attempt to murder), among others. His daughter Sushmitha (20) and her husband T Akash (21) of Alangulam are currently undergoing treatment at the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TvMCH). While Akash, who sustained severe injuries to his head, hand and legs, remains critical, Sushmitha is stable.
According to sources, the couple fell in love while studying at a private college at Idaikal village in Tirunelveli. After completing their studies last year, they continued to be in touch with each other and decided to marry. However, when Sushmitha informed her parents of their decision, they sternly opposed the marriage, citing caste differences, and warned her. Despite this, the couple got married and shifted to a rental house in Sivagamipuram village four months ago, sources said.
However, in recent weeks, Murgan — who had confronted his daughter earlier — started visiting her. He also bought groceries and a grinder for the couple and insisted that his daughter visit his house at Ariyanayagipuram. But, Sushmitha allegedly felt something was fishy and refused to go, sources added.
“Irked over this, Murgan came to Akash’s house carrying a sickle on Thursday. After minutes of conversation, he suddenly started hacking Akash, grievously injuring him. He also attacked his daughter, who sustained minor injuries, before fleeing the scene on his two-wheeler,” said sources, adding that the neighbours and Pavoorchatram police rushed the couple to TvMCH.
When contacted by TNIE, Superintendent of Police S Ashok Kumar said Murugan has been secured and all necessary steps were being taken as per law.