Bengaluru Man Drives 1,000 Km and Dies by Suicide After Wife’s Death
In a shocking turn of events, 30-year-old Bengaluru resident Suraj Shivanna died by suicide in a Nagpur hotel early Saturday, following a 1,000 km road journey with his family. The incident comes just two days after his wife, Ganavi, took her own life, and amid charges of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide against him.
Flight From Threats
Suraj, a franchise owner of an online delivery service, and his family fled Bengaluru on December 25. After a brief stop in Hyderabad, they reached Nagpur on Friday evening and checked into a hotel around 9:30 pm.
Around 12:30 am, Suraj’s 60-year-old mother, Jayanti, found him hanging in one of the rooms. In shock, she attempted to hang herself as well, but the noose snapped. Her cries alerted hotel staff and other family members. Suraj was rushed to AIIMS-Nagpur, where doctors confirmed his death.
Sanjay Shivanna, Suraj’s elder brother, told police the family had fled due to threats from Suraj’s in-laws following Ganavi’s suicide. “Around 30 people stormed our house searching for Suraj, who was named in an FIR for dowry harassment. We were traumatised and in fear,” he said.
A Troubled Marriage
Suraj had married Ganavi, an MBA graduate, on October 29. Family sources revealed Ganavi was reportedly reluctant to marry as she was pressured into the union by her aunt. The couple went on a 10-day honeymoon to Sri Lanka, which ended early due to disputes over Ganavi’s pre-marital friendship. They returned to Bengaluru after five days.
Failed Mediation and Family Conflicts
After their return, efforts by family members, including Sanjay, to mediate between the couple failed. Ganavi returned to her father’s home and hours later hanged herself. Following her death, her family lodged a complaint against Suraj and his relatives, accusing them of torturing her for dowry.
Speaking to TOI, Sanjay denied the allegations. “We did not make any demands. We covered all wedding expenses. It's shocking on their part to hurl such allegations. Instead, Ganavi's family had started issuing death threats to us. My brother was scared and apologetic,” he said, referring to the visit of Suraj’s in-laws to their house on December 22.
Investigation Underway
Suraj’s autopsy report is awaited, and police continue to investigate the tragic events that led to the deaths and the extreme distress for both families. The incident has left the community in shock and renewed discussions on the impact of familial pressures, mental health, and allegations of dowry harassment.
Flight From Threats
Suraj, a franchise owner of an online delivery service, and his family fled Bengaluru on December 25. After a brief stop in Hyderabad, they reached Nagpur on Friday evening and checked into a hotel around 9:30 pm.
Around 12:30 am, Suraj’s 60-year-old mother, Jayanti, found him hanging in one of the rooms. In shock, she attempted to hang herself as well, but the noose snapped. Her cries alerted hotel staff and other family members. Suraj was rushed to AIIMS-Nagpur, where doctors confirmed his death.
Sanjay Shivanna, Suraj’s elder brother, told police the family had fled due to threats from Suraj’s in-laws following Ganavi’s suicide. “Around 30 people stormed our house searching for Suraj, who was named in an FIR for dowry harassment. We were traumatised and in fear,” he said.
A Troubled Marriage
Suraj had married Ganavi, an MBA graduate, on October 29. Family sources revealed Ganavi was reportedly reluctant to marry as she was pressured into the union by her aunt. The couple went on a 10-day honeymoon to Sri Lanka, which ended early due to disputes over Ganavi’s pre-marital friendship. They returned to Bengaluru after five days.
Failed Mediation and Family Conflicts
After their return, efforts by family members, including Sanjay, to mediate between the couple failed. Ganavi returned to her father’s home and hours later hanged herself. Following her death, her family lodged a complaint against Suraj and his relatives, accusing them of torturing her for dowry.
Speaking to TOI, Sanjay denied the allegations. “We did not make any demands. We covered all wedding expenses. It's shocking on their part to hurl such allegations. Instead, Ganavi's family had started issuing death threats to us. My brother was scared and apologetic,” he said, referring to the visit of Suraj’s in-laws to their house on December 22.
Investigation Underway
Suraj’s autopsy report is awaited, and police continue to investigate the tragic events that led to the deaths and the extreme distress for both families. The incident has left the community in shock and renewed discussions on the impact of familial pressures, mental health, and allegations of dowry harassment.
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