In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry and beyond, the cousin of popular actor Ashika Ranganath has died by suicide. The Bengaluru police have now taken legal action, registering a case of abetment to suicide against the deceased's boyfriend and his mother.
The Tragic Incident and Police Action
The victim, identified as 22-year-old Achala Harsha, was an engineering graduate from Hassan. The tragic event occurred on November 22 at a relative's home located within the limits of the Puttenahalli police station in Bengaluru. Following her death, the police have filed a formal case against Mayank Gowda, her boyfriend, and his mother, Myna Gowda, under charges of abetment to suicide.
The First Information Report (FIR) in connection with Harsha's death was initially registered at the Hassan city police station. However, the case has since been transferred to the Puttenahalli police station in Bengaluru for further investigation, given the location of the incident.
Allegations of Betrayal and Abuse
According to the complaint filed by Harsha's father, his daughter took the extreme step after discovering that her boyfriend, Mayank Gowda, was involved in a relationship with another woman. When Harsha confronted him about the infidelity, Mayank Gowda allegedly told her that he intended to marry the other woman. Shockingly, the complaint further states that he reportedly told Harsha to "go and die by suicide."
The situation appears to have been fraught with tension for some time. It has been alleged that Mayank Gowda physically assaulted Harsha on multiple occasions and even created disturbances at her family home. These incidents had led Harsha's family to become apprehensive about the relationship and any potential marriage. Despite their concerns, Harsha had reportedly convinced her family that Mayank would change his ways.
Social Media Chats and Family Dynamics
Adding a layer of digital evidence to the case, purported screenshots of a chat conversation between Harsha and Mayank have been circulated on social media. In one poignant message, Harsha is seen writing, "Even after cheating on me, you still have the audacity to leave me, and honestly, that’s fine. I will never forgive you in this lifetime. I know my words may not mean anything to you, but you’ve shattered me into a million pieces."
The couple, who were said to be distant relatives, had been in a relationship for approximately a year. Interestingly, Mayank Gowda's mother, Myna Gowda, who is now also named in the FIR, had previously met with Harsha's mother. During this meeting, she had proposed marriage for the couple and even suggested that they live together in Bengaluru to better understand each other before tying the knot.
The case highlights severe allegations of emotional manipulation and abuse leading to a young woman's tragic demise. As the investigation proceeds under the jurisdiction of the Puttenahalli police, the focus will be on establishing the chain of events and the extent of culpability of the accused individuals.
