Life limping back to normalcy in Choodaganapalli

The parents and siblings of the victims are gradually coming to terms with the ‘honour killing’ of the couple (Nandish and Swathi) at Choodaganapalli (also known as Soodakondapalli) of Hosur taluk in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu. The life of the people of both communities is returning to normalcy gradually.

Shankar, brother of victim Nandish, said, they were initially feeling insecure as they were under a rude shock. “Now, we are feeling a bit secure as the police have assured us protection. Police personnel are posted in the village to instil confidence among the people. The relationship among the people of different communities in the village was cordial earlier. Now, the relationship seems to have strained. It will take time for the life to return to normalcy,” he said.

“We are three children - my sister Akhila, Nandish and myself - to my parents Narayanappa and Thimmakka. There are over 80 families in our village and half of them belong to the Vanniyars (Thigalar), to which my sister-in-law Swathi belongs. There are around 15 houses of the people of the SC communities. While 10 of the families reside in a colony together, some of us live amidst other community people. After the tragic incident in our family, our neighbours visited us for consoling. They have been supportive,” he said.

“Nandish, my elder brother, had studied up to the eighth standard and was working for a company dealing with floor tiles in Hosur. My sister-in-law Swathi was studying BCom in Hosur. They developed a liking for each other as they both would travel to Hosur daily. For one year, when their love for each other became public, Nandish started staying alone in Hosur. We, in the family, did not know about their marriage, until this month. Later, they established contact with us again. Thus, when they did not return home on November 10, I, along with a few relatives, lodged a missing complaint with Hosur Town Police,” Shankar said. “Members and leaders of various organisations have extended their support to our family. Today also, there was a meeting of activists of various organisations in Hosur, where my family members were invited,” he said.