Indian Police Arrest Lesbian for Rejected Partner's Suicide

Authorities in the northeastern Indian city of Balasore arrested a lesbian, claiming she's responsible for her partner's suicide, reports The Tribune India. The two were college students.

Sasmita Dey 19, hung herself from a hostel room ceiling fan on September 28. She was a senior at Nilgiri Women's College, reports The Pioneer. Her friend, Lucky Biswal, who studied at another university, was taken into custody for allegedly abetting Dey in her death.

The fact the two were lovers "came to light after recovery of the suicide note and other evidences," Nalita Modi, the chief of the Nilgiri police station, told The Tribune. Numerous conversations spanning a year and a half between the two over SMS and WhatsApp revealed they were in a romantic relationship.

"The deceased and the accused were in a very close relationship," Modi said. "The deceased insisted to marry the accused. When her friend rejected the proposal, she killed herself."

Modi believes that after Biswal rejected Dey's marriage proposal, the accused was involved in her partner's suicide. Leading up to the death, Dey sent Biswal a photo of her preparing to end her life.

On Septemeber 6, the nation's High Court struck down a 157-year-old ban on gay sex that dated back to its colonial era. However, marriage equality is yet to be legalized.