'Caste, Corruption, Cover-Up': Social Activist Anjali Damania Slams Vasai Police Over Young Woman's Suicide

Palghar, Maharashtra: The suicide of a 20-year-old woman in Vasai has erupted into a major controversy, with social activist Anjali Damania alleging deep political interference and police negligence in the investigation.

Revati Umesh Nile, a college student from Vasai West, took her life on April 27 by consuming rodent poison. According to police records, Revati was in a four-year relationship with fellow student Ayush Rana, who allegedly exploited her emotionally and physically under the promise of marriage. When she pressed for marriage, he allegedly refused, citing her caste as an obstacle. Crushed by rejection and humiliation, Revati took the drastic step.

Following her death, the Vasai police registered a case of abetment to suicide against Ayush Rana and his father Ajay Rana. However, Damania, who visited the Vasai police station on Tuesday, charged the police with shielding the accused due to their political clout.  She alleged that officers cooperated with the accused in multiple ways, including the destruction of digital evidence, claiming that Rana had access to Revati’s mobile phone and deleted incriminating chats before handing it over to authorities.

In a tense two-hour meeting at the police station, Damania grilled senior officers over alleged delays and lapses in the probe. When pressed on who was exerting pressure, police officials named Nilesh Tendolkar, district chief of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Tendolkarwas summoned to the police station and publicly questioned by Damania in front of the media.

The case has also exposed a murky link to a self-styled occult practitioner, known as Mantrik Rana, who allegedly influenced the accused. Damania visited his location near Vasai Fort, accompanied by Revati’s grieving family, who broke down while recounting their struggle for justice.

Speaking to reporters, Damania vowed to fight for the victim's family. “This is not just a suicide, this is systemic oppression, enabled by political interference and police complicity. The accused have connections across political parties and enjoy the protection of the local power structure. I will fight this battle till justice is delivered,” she declared.

The case has triggered public outrage in Maharashtra, reviving debates over caste discrimination, political-criminal nexus, and police accountability.