This is what Ilavarasan's 'suicide note' said. The letter was addressed to his wife N Divya, a Vanniyar girl, who had left him under pressure from community leaders.

"If ever there is a rebirth, I wish we both are born in the same community and marry with the approval of our parents. I love you so much Divya,' Ilavarasan has said in a telling commentary on how narrow caste politics ruined the life of the young couple.

Referring to Divya's remorse that her father, who committed suicide in November last year soon after her inter-caste wedding, had put the burden of his death on her, Ilavarasan said in  the letter: "I know Divya, now you will ask me the same question (as to why she should be the reason for Ilavarasan's death also). But I am unable to live without you' Please forgive me.'

Expressing the hope that Divya would at least attend his funeral, he appealed to his parents not to blame or scold her and allow her to see his body.

Ilavarasan also asked his father, mother and elder brother Balaji, whom he described as his best friend, to forgive him for ending his life. -- The New Indian Express.