Pune: Two Women Die by Suicide Over Alleged Harassment by In-Laws

Pune, Maharashtra (March 27, 2025): Two married women died by suicide in separate incidents in Pune district, allegedly due to harassment by their in-laws. The cases were reported in Neera and Yavat. Police have arrested the accused in both incidents. A 33-year-old woman in Neera, identified as Neeta Sachin Nigde, was found dead at her home on March 22. Police said she died by suicide due to alleged physical and mental harassment by her mother-in-law. Officers arrested the accused, Vijaya Bhagwan Nigde, on March 25. A court in Saswad sent her to judicial custody, and she has been transferred to Yerwada Jail.

Neeta’s father, Subhash Shankar Mane, filed a complaint at Jejuri police station. He alleged that Vijaya Nigde-Jagtap frequently assaulted his daughter and verbally abused her. She was allegedly insulted for being poor and was harassed for not giving birth to a son. The complaint stated that Neeta’s sarees were burned and she was pressured to bring ₹1 lakh from her parents before moving into a new flat. Following Neeta’s death, her maternal family protested at Neera Primary Health Center and the local police station. A heavy police presence was deployed during her funeral to maintain order. Neeta had two daughters and a son. Her husband had purchased a flat in Neera, where the family planned to move on Gudi Padwa. However, her mother-in-law reportedly opposed the decision, which led to disputes.

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In another case, a 35-year-old woman in Yavat, identified as Sarika Prashant Shitole, died by suicide on March 17 after allegedly consuming a poisonous pesticide. She was hospitalized but did not survive. Her father, Jaysingh Fakkad Pawar, filed a complaint with Yavat police. Based on his statement, police arrested Sarika’s husband, Prashant Manasing Shitole. A case has also been registered against her mother-in-law, Sunita Manasing Shitole.

According to the complaint, Prashant and Sunita repeatedly demanded Rs 25,000 from Sarika, which her family had given for her delivery expenses. They allegedly taunted her about their child’s cleft lip condition. Prashant also reportedly had an extramarital affair and physically assaulted Sarika. Sarika’s relatives have demanded a deeper investigation. They have asked police to determine whether she consumed the pesticide voluntarily or if it was forcibly given to her. Police continue to investigate both cases.

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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; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525