Trigger Warning: This news contains descriptions of graphic violence, including gender-based violence and femicide, which some readers may find distressing.

A gruesome case of femicide was reported this morning (3 June) from Puliyankulam in the Vavuniya District, where a 34-year-old man surrendered to police after killing his pregnant wife by beheading her.

According to police, the victim has been identified as Sugirtharan Rajun Swarnalatha, a 32-year-old schoolteacher who was serving at a government primary school in Nainamadu. She was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death.

The suspect, also a resident of Nochchikulam, is believed to have taken his wife to a forested area along the Nainamadu Road in Puliyankulam, where he allegedly used a sharp weapon to behead her. Police said he then placed her severed head in the front of his scooter and transported it to the Puliyankulam Police Station.

Upon arrival, the suspect reportedly informed the Officer-in-Charge and other officials about the crime and handed himself over. The weapon believed to have been used in the killing was recovered, and the woman’s body was later found in the same forested area.

Police investigations suggest that the murder may have been triggered by a personal dispute. The suspect had reportedly received repeated phone calls accusing his wife of being involved in an alleged extramarital relationship with a school student, according to police. These accusations, coupled with verbal harassment from others, are believed to have led to rising tensions and ultimately to the fatal act.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Vavuniya Magistrate’s Court. Puliyankulam Police are conducting further investigations.

A Broader Issue: Rising Cases of Femicides

Femicides—defined as the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender—are often linked to domestic abuse, controlling behaviours, and a culture that normalises violence against women.

Addressing such violence requires not only legal accountability but also urgent social reform, community awareness, and support systems for women at risk.

If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, help is available. The general public can now inform the Family Health Bureau’s “Mithuru Piyasa” pertaining to any form of domestic violence incidents through the contact number – 070 2 611 111.