Ludhiana Mother of Two Dies by Suicide Following Alleged Blackmail and Exploitation by Landlord
A tragic incident has shaken the Tibba area of Ludhiana, where a 32-year-old mother of two has died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to blackmail and exploitation by her landlord. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found hanging in her rented room on February 9, leaving behind a devastating trail of digital evidence that has prompted a police manhunt.
Heartbreaking Discovery and Time Zone Complications
The victim's husband, who resides and works in the United Kingdom, received a series of distressing videos from his wife detailing her ordeal. However, due to the significant time difference between India and the UK, he did not view the messages immediately. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Baljeet Singh, the investigating officer, explained that upon seeing the videos, the husband urgently contacted his sister living in the same locality to check on his wife.
When the sister arrived at the house, it was bolted from the inside, forcing her to call the police. Officers broke open the gate, but unfortunately, the woman was already deceased. The couple's children, a 10-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter, were at school during this tragic event, sparing them from witnessing the immediate aftermath.
Allegations of Voyeurism and Blackmail
In the recorded videos, the woman explicitly accused her landlord of secretly filming her while she was bathing. She claimed that he then used this voyeuristic footage to blackmail and exploit her, creating an unbearable situation that led to her desperate act. The police have taken these allegations seriously, with the digital evidence provided by the husband forming the cornerstone of their investigation.
Furthermore, the victim revealed that she had previously attempted to report the landlord's behavior to his mother, seeking intervention. Shockingly, instead of offering support, the landlord's mother allegedly sided with her son and ignored the victim's pleas for help, exacerbating the situation.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Manhunt
The Tibba police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against both the landlord and his mother under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). They face charges under Section 108 for abetment to suicide and Section 3(5) for criminal acts performed by several persons in furtherance of common intention. As of now, the accused remain at large, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate them.
This case highlights critical issues of tenant safety, digital exploitation, and the urgent need for swift intervention in such matters. The police have assured that the prosecution will rely heavily on the video evidence to ensure justice for the victim and her grieving family.
