Honour killing bid? Dad hacks pregnant woman

In a suspected case of honour killing attempt, a pregnant woman was reportedly hacked by his father at a primary health centre in Thirumangalam here in the district on Tuesday. The injured woman who was soon admitted to hospital is said to be out of danger, and her father has been arrested.

According to sources, Sushma (19) Nagaiahpuram fell in love with 23-year-old R Sivasankaran from the neighbouring village of Valavandhanpuram. They reportedly belonged to different castes. A few months ago, Sushma eloped with Sivasankaran and got married at the Nagaiahpuram police station.

A six-month pregnant Sushma, along with Sivasankaran, on Tuesday visited the primary health centre at T. Pudupatti village to consult a doctor. Upon learning of her visit to the health centre, Sushma’s father Valagurunathan, who was angered by her elopement with Sivasankaran, entered the health centre and hacked her with a sickle, causing injury to her neck. Valagurunathan then fled the scene.The injured victim was soon taken to the Thirumangalam government hospital, where she is undergoing treatment. Sushma is out of danger and her condition is stable, sources said.

Based on complaint lodged by Sushma’s husband Sivasankaran, the Thirumangalam Taluk police have filed a case under Section 307 of the IPC and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act. The accused, Valagurunathan, was subsequently arrested, sources said.