Years of abuse, no action: Woman's suicide leads to case against teacher-husband

A woman allegedly died by suicide on March 31, reportedly unable to bear prolonged physical and mental harassment by her husband, Santosh Mantre (45), who is addicted to alcohol. After recovering from the shock, her father, Vashishtha Ridde, lodged a complaint at Kranti Chowk police station on Thursday, following which a case of abetment to suicide was registered against Santosh. He has since fled.

The deceased has been identified as Jayshree Mantre (36, MHADA Colony). Married in May 2011, the couple initially lived peacefully. However, after the birth of their child, Santosh allegedly began assaulting Jayshree under the influence of alcohol and demanding money from her father. When she resisted seeking financial help from her parental home, the harassment intensified. She had once returned to her parents’ house with her child but resumed living with him after he apologised before a village dispute resolution panel.

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Son studying as mother took extreme step

On March 31, while Santosh was at school, the elder son was at tuition and the younger son was studying at home, Jayshree allegedly hanged herself in an inner room. The younger son discovered her, and neighbours rushed her to government medical college and hospital (GMCH), where she was declared dead.

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Husband absconds after case filed

Santosh, a teacher at Ganesh Vidyalaya in Devgaon Rangari, absconded after the case was registered. Jayshree’s family has also alleged that his first wife had died under suspicious circumstances.