Yogesh K Porwar
A 22-year-old woman from Sagar in Shivamogga district allegedly died by suicide by jumping into Agara Lake in Bengaluru,reportedly unable to bear continuous blackmail and harassment by a man known to her.
The deceased has been identified as Vanishree (22),a native of Arodi near Belalamakki in Sagar taluk.
She was staying at Lakshmi Venkateshwara Ladies PG in HSR Layout 1st Sector and was working in the sales department of a jewellery store in the area.
According to the complaint lodged by her sister Pooja, Vanishree had been subjected to alleged harassment and blackmail by a man identified as Abhishek A.S. through photographs,videos,phone calls and messages.
On the morning of August 22,Pooja,who was staying in Konappana Agrahara,was informed by Vanishree’s PG mate that Vanishree had left behind a note stating that Abhishek had been troubling and blackmailing her for several days.
Alarmed,Pooja and the PG owner searched for her and subsequently alerted the HSR Layout police.
Based on the details mentioned in the note,police and family members searched the area around Agara Lake, where Vanishree’s body was later recovered.
In the alleged death note,Vanishree reportedly held Abhishek responsible for her death and stated that her last wish was that he should be punished.She also apologised to her father,expressing concern that her actions might affect his honour.
According to the complaint,Vanishree and Abhishek had known each other since their PU college days in Sagar.
The two were reportedly friends at the time.After completing her degree,Vanishree moved to Bengaluru in search of employment.
The complaint alleges that Abhishek continued to contact her through repeated phone and video calls and subjected her to harassment.
Vanishree reportedly mentioned in her note that the harassment had intensified over the past year.
Based on Pooja’s complaint,the HSR Layout police have registered a case against Abhishek under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),2023,relating to abetment of suicide.
Police are investigating the allegations and have launched a search to trace Abhishek,who is reportedly absconding following registration of the case.
