KOCHI: Alleging that Sona Eldhose, 23, who died by suicide in Kothamangalam on Saturday, was a victim of forced religious conversion attempt as part of ‘love jihad’, her family has sought a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident.
In a petition to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday, they accused the state police of invoking weak sections in the case, and warned that the matter had serious national security implications.
Sona’s mother, Bindu A K, alleged that the accused, Ramees, 24, had attempted to coerce her daughter to convert to another religion and that the crime may be linked to extremist networks.
“Although the Kerala Police have arrested the accused, they have invoked only weak sections,” the petition said. Bindu also claimed that Panayikkulam in Aluva, where Ramees resides, has a history of anti-national activity, raising suspicion of links to international extremist and terrorist outfits.
Panayikkulam had hit national headlines in 2006 when police busted a secret meeting of the banned Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) there — a case later probed by the NIA. It became Kerala’s first terrorism case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
“This is not just about my daughter. It is about protecting other young women from similar exploitation,” she said.
Sona’s brother, Basil Eldhose, told TNIE that the family has formally urged the chief minister to order an NIA probe.
Meanwhile, the Ernakulam rural police have set up a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Muvattupuzha DySP, to look into all angles, including abetment of suicide and rape under the pretext of marriage.
All aspects are being examined, say police
Ramees’ parents have been summoned for questioning. “The investigation is still in its early stages. Additional charges, including those related to alleged offences related to religious conversion, may be added as the probe progresses,” said Sasi N P, sub-inspector with Kothamangalam station, who led the investigation initially. “As part of a disciplined force, we cannot disclose further details at this stage. Further information will be provided by the concerned authorities,” he said.
Binanipuram station house officer (SHO) Sunil V R, the current investigation officer, said all aspects, including the religious conversion angle, are being examined. “Further disclosures will be made by senior officials through proper channels,” he said.
Former MP and lawyer Sebastian Paul noted the sensitivity of the religious conversion angle. “It is not merely a simple love story. That is why serious charges like abetment of suicide and wrongful restraint have already been invoked. More charges may follow,” he said, adding that the Constitution treats forced religious conversion as a grave offence.
Kerala HC advocate George Jacob Vengal said the FIR could be revised as new evidence emerge. “The charges can be altered until the final chargesheet is filed,” he said.
(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)