Hyderabad: A tragic case involving the alleged suicide of a married couple in Hyderabad has taken a serious turn after investigators uncovered claims of financial exploitation, mental harassment, and alleged pressure to convert their religion. The incident occurred near Ghatkesar railway station on the night of July 2, where the couple reportedly died after jumping in front of a speeding train.
The deceased have been identified as Ravikumar, a rice trader, and his wife Sirisha, residents of the Kuntluru area in Hayatnagar. Originally from Papayyapet village in Warangal district’s Chennaraopet mandal, the couple lived in Hyderabad with their two minor children.
According to the preliminary investigation conducted by the Government Railway Police (GRP), statements from the couple’s children and Sirisha’s parents suggest that their neighbours, identified as Venkat and Pramila, allegedly subjected them to persistent pressure to convert to Christianity. Police said the neighbours regularly invited the couple to attend church services. While Ravikumar and Sirisha occasionally participated in Sunday prayers out of friendship, Sirisha reportedly made it clear that she had no intention of changing her religion, leading to disagreements over the issue.
Investigators also found that the neighbours allegedly convinced Ravikumar to invest ₹20 lakh in a ready-mix concrete business, promising attractive monthly returns. To arrange the investment, Ravikumar reportedly pledged his wife’s gold jewellery at a bank. Although the promised monthly income of around ₹20,000 was initially paid for only a few months, the payments allegedly stopped thereafter, leaving the family under mounting financial pressure as interest on the pledged jewellery accumulated.
Police believe the financial burden, coupled with alleged harassment and repeated demands for repayment, caused severe mental distress. The couple had reportedly decided to vacate their rented house and had already packed their belongings before the incident.
Call data records examined during the investigation reportedly revealed that the couple spoke with Venkat over the phone for an extended period on the evening of July 2, approximately 30 minutes before the incident.
Following news of the deaths, the accused neighbours allegedly locked their residence and went absconding. Based on complaints and statements provided by the victims’ family members, the GRP has registered a case of abetment to suicide and formed special teams to trace the accused.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are working to verify all allegations, including those relating to financial dealings and alleged religious conversion pressure, as part of the broader probe into the circumstances leading to the couple’s deaths.
