Mumbai: Mumbai Police on Monday arrested Anant Garje, personal assistant to Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde, in connection with the alleged suicide of his wife, Gauri. The arrest comes two days after the 28-year-old was found hanging inside their Worli residence, sparking serious allegations from her family about harassment and domestic abuse.
According to investigators, Garje will be produced before a local court after 11 am on Monday. Police had earlier registered a case following a complaint by Gauri’s family, who accused Garje of mental torture and claimed he was involved in an extramarital relationship that caused significant strain in the couple’s months-old marriage.
Gauri, employed in the dental department of the civic-run KEM Hospital, had married Anant Garje only in February this year. Her sudden death has not only shocked relatives but also intensified scrutiny of the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Officials revealed that no suicide note was found at the spot. “We are examining every angle, including allegations of harassment and domestic disputes,” said a police officer aware of the investigation. The police are currently recording statements of family members, colleagues, and neighbours to piece together the events preceding her death.
Following the formal complaint, the Worli Police booked Garje and others under Sections 108, 85, 352, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), provisions related to abetment, assault, and cruelty. A thorough probe has been initiated to determine whether continued harassment pushed Gauri to take the extreme step.
