CHENNAI: What was supposed to be a convergence of faith in an inter-religious marriage turned tragic after the wife committed suicide. The husband had allegedly tortured her as she insisted on worshipping Hindu gods. Arrested subsequently on the charge of abetting suicide, a city court on Thursday has quashed his bail plea.

Antony Joseph, 32, a lift operator in a jewelry shop was in a relationship with Preethi (name changed) for several years.Both married on July2007 with the consent of their parents. The wedding was conducted with Hindu rituals at Tirupati temple and then with Christian faith at San Thome Church.

On Diwali (October 22) Preethi was found hanging at the couple’s house in Saligramam. Her father, Thiyagrajan, then lodged a complaint stating Joseph often tortured her as he was against Hindu rituals of worship. The police arrested Joseph after registering a case under section 306 ( abetting the commission of suicide).

Seeking bail, Joseph filed a petition before the principal sessions court. He said Preethi, an emotional and sensitive woman, often fought over petty issues. Few days before Diwali, they had a quarrel over purchases for the festival. Following this Preethi had gone to stay with her parents. She returned on Diwali looking tensed and flustered. Before he left for work, she again had a heated argument with him. Around 6.30 pm, Preethi called him and told she was going to commit suicide, said Joseph.

When Joseph reached the house, he found her hanging from a saree. Preethi was taken to a hospital where she was declared dead, he said.

When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, city public prosecutor, M L Jegan opposed the bail plea stating the matter was in the preliminary stage of investigation. Principal sessions judge N Audinathan rejected the bail application.