The stigma and reluctance to accept homosexual couples in India has claimed a young life in Mumbai. Roshini Tandel, a resident of Suman Nagar, Chunabhatti ended her life by hanging herself. While another girl from the same neighbourhood, Rujukta Gawand who attempted suicide by drinking phenyl is now recovering in a hospital. The two girls, both aged 21 took the extreme step after being reprimanded by their respective families over their affair. The duo, who reportedly were regulars at the Marine Drive, were spotted by a relative on Friday cuddling each other. The relative informed Rujukta’s father, who then confronted her about it. “Since the girls had been out of the house from 11 am to 6 pm, Rujukta’s father asked her what the two girls were doing. Rujukta confessed that she was in a relationship with Roshini. He then scolded Rujukta and warned her never to meet Roshini again.” Mid-day quoting a police official reported.

He also contacted Roshini's family and wanted to 'settle' the matter at the office of a local politician. While they were at the politician's office Rujukta's father received a call saying that his daughter had attempted suicide by consuming phenyl.

Roshini who was with her elder sister at the time also heard the news and after reaching home locked herself up inside her room.

“The next morning, when she did not open the door, we checked through the window and saw her hanging from the ceiling,” her sister Amruta told the police.

Police have arrested Rujukta’s father, Kishore Gawand, in connection the incident under Sections 306 (abatement of suicide), 507 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC.

According to the report in Mid-Day, the two girls who began as friends but it soon developed into a relationship. Over the past year, the two would often hang out all day, until they were spotted by the relative.