Boyfriend ‘drives’ minor to suicide

In a live-in relationship gone sour, a 17-year-old girl committed suicide after her boyfriend and his parents allegedly started torturing her.

Deepak Gohil, and his mother, Tejubai, were arrested by the police on Tuesday after the victim’s father Govind Pardhi registered a complaint with the Dongri police on Monday.

According to investigating officer Suresh Patil, the victim and Deepak were having an affair for the past one year. “Initially both families were against the relationship, but the couple was determined to get married. The two even tried to commit suicide,” said Patil.

The families finally gave in and decided that they would get their kids married once the girl turned 18. “Since last nine months the victim was staying at Deepak’s residence in Dongri. Govind claimed that Deepak and his mother allegedly started demanding dowry - a house.

“Unable to bear the taunts and harassment, the victim went to her father’s house. But Deepak and Tejubai called her and asked her to return home. When she did, the harassment started once again,” said Patil.

On April 24, the girl consumed poison and was rushed to JJ Hospital, said another police official, adding that she died two days later. “A case has been registered against Deepak and his mother for mental and physical torture and common criminal intention,” the official said. They have been remanded to police custody till May 19.