Maharashtra Women's Commission Launches Probe into Pune Suicide Case
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has initiated a thorough investigation into the tragic death of a 20-year-old woman in Baner, Pune. Chairperson Rupali Chakankar announced that the panel will meticulously scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on January 26 when the woman was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her maternal uncle's residence.
Background of the Case and Family History
The victim, hailing from a financially disadvantaged family in Pali, Rajasthan, had been residing with her uncle and his wife in Baner. According to allegations, she endured severe physical and mental torture at their hands. Disturbingly, this is not the first such tragedy in the household; the woman's elder sister also died by suicide in the same house back in 2016. Both sisters, along with their brother, had periodically stayed with their uncle while working at his medical stores located in Baner and Mhalunge.
Community Outcry and Official Representations
The incident triggered significant outrage among residents of Baner, Balewadi, and Pashan, leading to widespread protests and demands for justice. Numerous women's and community organizations submitted formal representations to various authorities, including the State Commission for Women, the Commissioner of Police, and the Senior Inspector of Baner Police Station. The Baner Balewadi Pashan Residents' Association specifically requested the commission to take suo motu cognizance of the case, urging an independent and gender-sensitive inquiry into allegations of abuse and exploitation. They also called for a status report on the FIR and ongoing investigations.
Rupali Chakankar confirmed, "We received the representation on Sunday and have commenced our review, instructing the police to provide all case details."
Police Response and Legal Actions
Initially, the Baner police registered the case as an accidental death. However, following public pressure and a formal complaint lodged by the victim's brother, they escalated the matter. An FIR has now been filed against the uncle (45) and aunt (40) under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including abetment of suicide, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult, and common motive.
Senior Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant of Baner police provided updates, stating, "We lack details on the 2016 incident reported to Chatushrungi police station. In this case, we advised the victim's brother and mother to file a complaint promptly. The brother complied after the family returned from Rajasthan post-funeral rites."
Investigation Details and Forensic Analysis
Authorities have taken stringent measures to ensure a comprehensive investigation. An in-camera post-mortem was conducted due to the recurrence of similar circumstances, with the autopsy confirming death by suicide and revealing no signs of physical or sexual assault. Viscera samples have been dispatched to the Forensic Sciences Laboratory for further analysis. Police are exploring all angles and have served a notice to the uncle, though he was absent at the time. A decision regarding his arrest will depend on the progression of the investigation.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about domestic abuse and the need for robust institutional responses to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly women from marginalized backgrounds.
