Maharashtra: Self-Styled Godman Arrested After Man Dies by Suicide in Jalna Due to Harassment

A 30-year-old man allegedly committed suicide after being harassed by a self-styled godman in Maharashtra's Jalna district. The 45-year-old accused was arrested following the incident which took place on Monday, March 3 in Walsa Wadala village of Bhokardan tehsil, police inspector Kiran Bidve told the news agency PTI. 

The story began when the victim and his 25-year-old wife had visited a temple at Dhamangaon in neighbouring Buldhana district when they came in touch with the accused, as per the woman's complaint. Following this meeting, the accused allegedly began harassing the couple, frequently calling them and making unreasonable demands. The accused claimed the couple's daughter was actually his and demanded that they hand her over to him, the police said, quoting the complaint.

Also Read | Thane: 42-Year-Old Woman in Kopri Dies by Suicide Two Months After Husband’s Death.

When the couple refused, the accused started writing threatening notes to the victim and also tried to harass his wife. Unable to bear the constant harassment, the man ended his life by hanging himself from a tree, the official said. The police said the accused was arrested on Tuesday from Gummi village in Buldhana and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:

Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.