Pregnant teen ends life in Tirunelveli

A pregnant teen, who already had a one-year-old baby, allegedly ended her life following domestic quarrel.

Police said K. Avudai Gomathi, 17, of Kandigaiperi near Sankarankovil was in love with her relative Vanaraj of Thadiyampatti near Thevarkulam and married him a couple of years ago. The couple had a 1-year-old baby and she was pregnant again.

Following reported domestic quarrel, Avudai Gomathi allegedly ended her life on February 16.

On getting information, the Thevarkulam police registered a case in this connection.

The incident has raised serious questions about the child marriage and the teen giving birth to a baby a year ago.

Officials attached to the Department of Health Services said the teen might have been taken to some other place during her first pregnancy where she might have delivered the first baby without the knowledge of the officials.

Even as the police have started investigation into this incident, the Public Health Department officials are inquiring about the child marriage and pregnancy.

“We’ve started the inquiry and will get clarity within a day or two,” said a senior official attached to the Department of Public Health.

(Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling State’s health helpline 104 or Chennai-based Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 or Speak2Us helpline at 9375493754.)