Thursday
26th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
India
Bengaluru Businesswoman Dies by Suicide; Death Note Alleges Police Officer's Harassment and Extortion
S Jeeva was found dead by suicide at her residence on Friday
A tragic case has emerged in Bengaluru, where 33-year-old businesswoman S Jeeva was found dead by suicide at her residence on Friday, November 22. In a shocking turn of events, Jeeva left behind an 11-page death note accusing Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kanakalakshmi of serious misconduct, including stripping her, demanding a bribe, and humiliating her in public.
Jeeva, who ran a wood material business in Peenya and was also a practicing lawyer, was reportedly involved in the Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation scam. This scam, which came to light in 2021-22, allegedly involved the misuse of funds meant for loans to members of the Bhovi community under a job scheme. Jeeva's role in supplying materials for the project had led to her being questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
According to Jeeva's death note, her ordeal began on November 14 when she presented herself at the CID office in response to an order. There, she was reportedly harassed by DSP Kanakalakshmi, who allegedly stripped her and demanded a ₹ 25 lakh bribe. Jeeva also claimed that the officer accused her of carrying cyanide. Despite submitting relevant documents, Jeeva was reportedly humiliated further, as the DSP refused to accept them.
The harassment allegedly continued over the next several days, with the DSP visiting Jeeva’s business in Peenya, where she was once again humiliated in front of her employees. The situation, according to the FIR filed by Jeeva's sister, S Sangeeta, escalated to a point where Jeeva felt she had no escape, culminating in her tragic decision to take her own life.
In response to the allegations, Bengaluru police have registered a case against DSP Kanakalakshmi under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as well as other provisions of the Indian Penal Code. The investigation into Jeeva's death is ongoing, and authorities are probing whether the actions of the DSP contributed to her suicide.
This case has brought to light serious concerns about police conduct and the potential abuse of power within law enforcement agencies. As the investigation progresses, many are questioning the integrity of the officers involved and the broader implications for accountability within the police force.
The Karnataka High Court had reportedly allowed CID to question Jeeva via video conferencing between November 14 and 23, but the CID insisted on in-person appearances, leading to Jeeva’s visit to the office and the subsequent events.