Unable to marry, Mumbai couple kill selves

Mumbai: Parents’ opposition to their relationship caused a 24-year-old youth and his 21-year-old girlfriend to commit suicide. The youth, identified as Venkatesh P. allegedly jumped in front of a running train in Vasai, hours after his girlfriend, Prema Devendra, hung herself from the ceiling fan of her residence.

Close relatives said the couple took the extreme step on Sunday after Venkatesh was denied permission by his parents to marry her.

“On Sunday morning, Prema visited Venkatesh’s sister at her house. Prema pleaded that the family reconsider their decision and allow them to tie the knot but Venkatesh’s sister not only refused to budge, she also humiliated Prema,” Prema’s relative told the police.

At around 11.30 am, a dejected Prema hung herself to death. Antop Hill police said, “The incident came to light when Prema’s brother knocked on the door but got no response. Panicking, he broke down the door and found her hanging. They rushed her to the hospital but she was declared dead on arrival,” said Vasant Patil, senior police inspector, Antop Hill police station.

Mahesh Bagve, senior police inspector, Vasai GRP, said, “Prima-facie evidence suggests that (Venkatesh) jumped before the train as there was no other reason for him to come to Vasai. His railway pass found on his person is issued for the harbour line and not the western line. We have asked the motorman of the train to give his statement, which will ascertain if he committed suicide.”