'I Am Sorry, She Is Killing Me': Karnataka Man Dies By Suicide, Alleges 'Harassment By Wife'

(Photo: X)

Hubballi: A 40-year-old man died by suicide at his home here allegedly due to harrasment by his wife, police said on Monday. The incident occurred in Chamundeshwari Nagar on Sunday, they said. Petaru Gollapalli, who worked in a private firm, left behind a suicide note alleging harrasment by his wife.

Preliminary inquiry has revealed that the couple got married two years ago and started living separately after three months of marriage following frequent quarrels. His wife has also filed for a divorce and demanded Rs 20 lakhs as an alimony.

Speaking to reporters, the victim's brother Eshayya said since it was Sunday, everybody had gone to church and when they returned home in the afternoon, he found his brother hanging. In the suicide note, Petaru held his wife responsible for his death and said, “Daddy, I am sorry. My wife is killing me. She wants my death".

Seeking justice for his brother, Eshayya said Petaru was working at a private firm, but lost his job three months ago. "We want justice for my brother. That woman (deceased's wife) should be arrested. No one should suffer the way my brother has suffered. Her elder brother had also beaten him and there is also a police report about it," he added.

Based on a complaint from the victim's brother, a case under section 108 (abetment to suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered against his wife, police said, adding further investigation is underway. Last month, a 34-year-old techie, Atul Subhash, died by suicide in Bengaluru following alleged harassment by his wife and her family.

(Discussions on suicides can be triggering for some. But suicides are preventable. If you are looking for help, some suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-40769002 from Sanjivini (Delhi-based, 10 am - 5.30 pm) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based, 8 am - 10 pm), +91 9999666555 from Vandrevala Foundation (Mumbai-based, 24x7).