U N Mehta Hospital nurse dies by jumping into canal; wife, in-laws booked for abetment

A 27-year-old nursing professional employed at U N Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre allegedly died after jumping into the Nabhoi Narmada Canal, with Meghaninagar police registering a case against his wife and three of her relatives for abetment to suicide and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The deceased, identified as Bhavishya alias Bakul Solanki, was a resident of Kalapinagar in Meghaninagar and worked as a member of the nursing staff at the hospital. His father, Nathubhai Motibhai Solanki, lodged the complaint alleging that sustained mental harassment by Bhavishya’s wife, Brindaben Patel, and her family led to his death.

According to the police, Bhavishya had entered into an inter-caste love marriage with Brindaben, daughter of Mukeshkumar Bachubhai Patel of Dholka, around five years ago. Nathubhai alleged that Brindaben’s family had opposed the marriage from the outset and never accepted his son because he belonged to a Scheduled Caste community.

The complainant stated that tensions escalated in January this year after Bhavishya allegedly discovered his wife speaking to another man over a video call. Following a confrontation, Brindaben reportedly left the matrimonial home and subsequently filed complaints against him at various places.

The FIR further alleges that Brindaben’s relatives threatened Bhavishya and repeatedly harassed him. On January 31, when he visited his in-laws’ residence, they allegedly abused him using casteist slurs, taunted him over the inter-caste marriage and threatened him with consequences if he returned.

Police said Bhavishya allegedly attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills shortly thereafter. His family also claimed that Bridaben later confronted him and taunted him for surviving, telling him he should have died.

According to the complaint, Bhavishya made another suicide attempt on March 8 by jumping into the Nabhoi canal but was rescued by passers-by. After being brought home, he allegedly told family members that he was driven to the step by persistent harassment from his wife and in-laws.

Despite the intervention, the harassment allegedly continued. On March 9, Bhavishya again went to the Nabhoi canal and allegedly jumped in. His motorcycle, mobile phone, purse and keys were found near the canal bank.

After a search operation by police and fire brigade personnel, his body was recovered from the canal near Jaspur village on March 11. An accidental death case was initially registered.

During the inquiry, family members submitted screenshots of Bhavishya’s WhatsApp status allegedly posted shortly before his death, in which he named his wife, father-in-law, mother-in-law and another relative, accusing them of harassment and blaming them for his decision to die.

Based on the complaint, Meghaninagar police have booked Brindaben Patel, her father Mukeshkumar Patel, Swetalben Patel and Anchal Patel.