Dalit girl, victim of honour killing, dies in Kovai hospital

COIMBATORE: A 16-year-old Dalit girl admitted to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) after suffering serious injuries in a recent brutal attack for suspected honor killing attempt near Mettupalayam, died on Saturday without responding to treatment.    

Kanaga Raj, 22, a daily wage earning loading man was working in a potato godown in Mettuplayam, had developed a love affair with a 16-year-old Varshini Priya. Despite many obstacles from Kanaga Raj's family the pair continued their love affair.

Following a serious dispute with his brother, Kanaga Raj recently left home and was living separately with Varshini Priya near Srirangarayan Odai, sources said.

Few days ago Vinodh hacked his own brother Kanaga Raj to death in what is feared to be an act of honor killing. Poor Varshini Priya also suffered serious injuries in the attack while she made attempts to save Kanaga Raj from his brother Vinodh.

Vinodh after a 12-hour run surrendered at Mettupalayam police station and was being remanded to custody at the time of filing this report on Saturday.

But tragically, Varshini Priya who was admitted to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) died on early hours of Saturday, without responding to the continuous treatment.

Her parents and relatives staged a protest refusing to accept the body demanding severe action against Vinodh, as well as police action against the two associates of Vinodh who had allegedly threatened the family of Varshini repeatedly.

The protest was withdrawn after the Police SP, Sujith Kumar and deputy collector Suresh, promised to take necessary action. The SC/ST commission deputy president Murugan met the victim's family and handed over an order for a part compensation amount of Rs 4 lakh through the Coimbatore district collector Mr. Rajamani.