A 22-year-old woman from Shivamogga district allegedly died by suicide on Saturday after jumping into Agara Lake in Bengaluru, following alleged harassment and blackmail by a youth, police said. The deceased has been identified as Vanishree, a native of Arodi near Belalamakki in Sagar taluk, who was staying at a paying guest accommodation in HSR Layout's Sector-1 and working in the sales department of a jewellery store in the area.

According to police, Vanishree left a note alleging that a person named Abhishek had been blackmailing and harassing her. Her roommate informed her sister Pooja about the note on the morning of August 22. Pooja and the PG owner searched for Vanishree and later informed the HSR Layout police. Police, along with family members, searched the area around Agara Lake and found her body in the lake, they said.

Based on a complaint lodged by Pooja, the HSR Layout police registered a case against Abhishek under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment of suicide). In the complaint, Pooja alleged that Abhishek had been harassing Vanishree through calls, messages, photographs and videos. Police said the allegations are being investigated.

Vanishree and Abhishek were known to each other and had studied together during their PUC, according to the complaint. After completing her degree in Sagar, Vanishree moved to Bengaluru for employment.

The Times of India, which also covered the incident, reported that Vanishree had been staying in a paying guest accommodation at HSR Layout for around six months. Her sister Pooja, on receiving a call from Vanishree's PG mate, approached police who later found Vanishree's slippers at Agara Lake. Emergency service personnel fished out her body, the report said.

In her suicide note, Vanishree wrote, "Abhishek is responsible for my death. He keeps sending me videos and photos, calling me and harassing me... I am making this decision so my family honour is not harmed."

Both reports describe the incident as a suicide, with the cause attributed to the alleged harassment and blackmail. The police have registered a case, and the investigation is ongoing.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or in need of emotional support, call helplines: Tele-Manas: 14416 or 1800-891-4416; or Sahai: 080-25497777.

Perspectives

  • Police: The police have registered a case against Abhishek under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment of suicide) based on the complaint lodged by the deceased's sister, and are investigating the allegations.
  • Deceased's family: The family, through the complaint lodged by Pooja, has alleged that Abhishek harassed Vanishree through calls, messages, photographs and videos, leading to her death.
  • Deceased: In her suicide note, Vanishree directly blamed Abhishek for her death, stating that he was responsible and that she took the decision to protect her family's honour.