Ahmedabad teen kills self, mom alleges abetment by father, relatives

A 17-year-old student allegedly died by suicide at his residence in the Ranip area of Ahmedabad, with his mother accusing his father and relatives of prolonged mental harassment that led to the incident. Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and initiated an investigation.

According to Ranip police, the deceased, identified as Aarav Barot (17), was found hanging at his residence in Suvarna Apartment in Ranip on March 11.

The complaint was filed by the victim’s mother, Hetalben Barot (45), who alleged that sustained domestic abuse and harassment by her husband, Sameerbhai Barot, and his family members drove the teenager to take the extreme step.

Police said the incident came to light after the complainant, who had gone to stay at her sister’s residence in Naroda along with her daughter, was unable to contact her son despite repeated calls. Aarav had reportedly returned alone to their Ranip residence the previous night due to his tuition schedule.

According to police, Aarav had last spoken to his mother on the morning of March 11, informing her that he had studied through the night and was going to sleep. However, when he did not respond to calls later in the day, the complainant alerted neighbours.

A domestic helper and neighbours reportedly entered the house by opening a sliding window and found the teenager hanging inside his room. He was subsequently taken to Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, where doctors declared him dead. The body was later sent for post-mortem examination.

During a search of the premises, police recovered a three-page suicide note written in English and dated March 10. In the note, Aarav allegedly held his father, grandparents and aunt responsible for subjecting him and his mother to continuous mental harassment.

The complainant has alleged a history of domestic violence, stating that her husband frequently consumed alcohol, physically assaulted her and the children, and issued threats. She further claimed that her in-laws and sister-in-law also subjected them to verbal abuse and instigated conflicts within the family, creating an environment of fear and distress for the deceased.

Aarav, a Class XI science student studying at a private school in Ranip, was under significant mental stress due to the ongoing family disputes. The complainant has submitted the suicide note, along with the deceased’s mobile phone, laptop and notebooks, to the police as evidence.

Based on the complaint, police have booked the accused — including the victim’s father Sameerbhai Barot, grandfather Kantilal Barot, grandmother Rasilaben and aunt Anjaliben on charges of abetment to suicide and related offences.

Officials said statements of family members and witnesses are being recorded, and further probe is underway to corroborate the allegations mentioned in the suicide note.