Surat Woman's Suicide Leads to Abetment Charges Against Four from Ahmedabad
In a deeply distressing incident, the Umra police in Surat have officially booked four individuals from Ahmedabad in connection with the suicide of 26-year-old Poonam Tayde and her four-year-old son, Shivay. The tragic event unfolded on February 13, when Tayde took her own life after strangling her young son at her parents' residence located in the Piplod area of Surat.
Suicide Note and Diaries Reveal Allegations of Torture
Following the suicide, authorities discovered several diaries and a suicide note at the scene. These documents contained serious allegations of sustained torture by Tayde's former husband, identified as the prime accused Karan Shah, along with his mother Kailash Shah, sister Hiral Shah, and his friend Umang Mistry. The note detailed harrowing accounts of abuse and casteist slurs directed at Tayde, who belonged to a Scheduled Caste community.
In response to these findings, the Umra police swiftly detained all four accused individuals after formally booking them under charges of abetment to suicide. Additionally, law enforcement invoked the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, citing the caste-based harassment Tayde endured.
Background of the Marriage and Subsequent Divorce
Poonam Tayde and Karan Shah first met through a marriage bureau and subsequently tied the knot on May 3, 2021. Their son, Shivay, was born on February 3, 2022. However, the marriage quickly deteriorated as Tayde alleged that Shah and his family members subjected her to relentless torture and casteist abuse.
Despite numerous attempts to mediate and reach a compromise, the couple ultimately opted for a divorce, which was finalized with mutual consent on August 14, 2025. Post-divorce, Shah maintained regular contact with his son, Shivay, meeting him on various occasions. During these interactions, Umang Mistry, Shah's friend, also communicated with Tayde on several instances.
Fears for Son's Safety Led to Tragic Outcome
According to the investigation, the accused individuals reportedly threatened Tayde during these meetings, indicating their intention to take custody of Shivay. Tayde, haunted by the trauma of her own experiences, feared that her son would endure similar torture and abuse if placed in their care. This overwhelming fear allegedly drove her to the desperate act of strangling Shivay at her parents' home before taking her own life by hanging.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, Tayde's brother filed a formal complaint with the Umra police, prompting the detention of all four accused for further investigation. The case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss of life.
