Bride attempts suicide after marriage called off following threats by ‘blade mafia’

A woman attempted suicide in Kallambalam on Thursday after the bridegroom withdrew from their marriage following a threat from the ‘blade mafia.’

The Kallambalam police have registered a case against eight people involved in illegal moneylending and for alleged intimidation.

According to the police, the woman’s wedding with the Kollam native expatriate was scheduled for January 1, and preparations, including invitations, had already been completed.

The bride’s mother had borrowed nearly ₹1 lakh from the group for an exorbitant interest rate in 2018 following her husband’s death. Though she had reportedly repaid large sums towards the principal amount and interest over time, the moneylenders allegedly began demanding immediate repayment ahead of the wedding.

The group, including women, visited the groom’s house and publicly humiliated the bride’s family by accusing them of being heavily indebted. They allegedly threatened the groom and warned him of dire consequences if the marriage went ahead. This prompted the groom’s family to withdraw from the marriage. Deeply distressed by the turn of events, the woman attempted to commit suicide by consuming an excessive quantity of tablets. She is being treated at a private hospital in Varkala.

(Suicide prevention helpline: DISHA: 1056, 0471-2552056).