Dowry, caste harassment: Salem man gets double life term for murdering wife

A court in Salem on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) sentenced a man to double life imprisonment for murdering his wife by assaulting her with an iron pipe following dowry harassment.

According to the prosecution, Manikandan of Salem married Akila, a nursing graduate from Uppiliyapuram in Tiruchi district, in 2018. After their wedding, Manikandan and his parents allegedly harassed Akila demanding dowry and subjected her to caste-based abuse.

On June 8, 2018, Manikandan allegedly attacked Akila with an iron pipe, severely injuring her hand. Despite the seriousness of the injury, she was not taken to hospital immediately. Later, Akila’s mother took her to the Tiruchi Government Medical College Hospital, where doctors found the injury had turned septic and surgery was performed.

However, Akila later died due to complications arising from the injuries, the prosecution said. Based on complaints lodged by Akila’s family, the police registered a case against Manikandan and his parents under various sections, including dowry harassment and provisions of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The case was heard by the Special Court for SC/ST cases. During the trial, the prosecution submitted that Akila died as a result of the assault and the resulting septic infection. Medical evidence and witness testimonies supported the case.

Delivering the judgment, judge S. Jeyasingh sentenced Manikandan to life imprisonment for murder and another life term under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The court also imposed a fine of ₹40,000. Later, he was lodged at Salem Central Prison.