Woman dies by suicide, accuses ex-classmate of harassment, WhatApp threats in note

A 22-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide by jumping into a lake in Bengaluru, following purported harassment and blackmailing by a former classmate.The woman, identified as Vani, left behind a purported note, where she accused a man named Abhishek of blackmailing her using photographs and videos over WhatsApp. They had studied together in college.A case has been registered by the police on the basis of a complaint lodged by Vani's sister, Pooja. Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been invoked against Abhishek.In her purported letter, Vani claimed that Abhishek used to harass her through repeated calls and messages. She allegedly wrote that he would threaten to tarnish her family's reputation if she refused to meet him and that the harassment had intensified lately. Vani, who hailed from Karnataka's Shivamogga district, is also said to have expressed concerns about her family's reputation and appealed to ensure that Abhishek was punished.She had moved to Bengaluru about a year ago in search of a job and was working at a jewellery store. She was staying in a paying guest (PG) accommodation. The note was discovered by her roommate, who in turn informed Pooja. Subsequently, Pooja and the owner of the PG launched a search for Vani and later informed the police. Police, along with the family members, searched the area around a nearby lake and found her body in the lake, according to officials.The police have initiated efforts to trace Abhishek.- Ends(With inputs from PTI)Published On: Aug 24, 2026 11:00 IST