A 24-year-old private firm employee allegedly ended her life by setting herself on fire at a hotel room due to blackmail by her relative with their private videos on Saturday.
The police arrested the accused on Sunday and took him into custody for further investigation.
The deceased Suhasi Singh worked with a prominent IT company in Bengaluru. Ms. Singh allegedly immolated herself on January 12 and later died at the hospital.
The HAL police have arrested Praveen Singh, charging him under blackmail and abetment to suicide . The police said Suhasi was Praveen’s niece. The incident occurred at a hotel near Kundalahalli metro station past 8 pm, where the duo had reportedly met to “sort out the matter”.
Police have also recovered a pen drive from Praveen’s possession and have sent it for forensic analysis. Further details are awaited.
The accused was married and allegedly had an affair with the victim who used to visit his house often.
The accused started blackmailing her when the victim started to avoid him, threatening to send the private videos to her parents and demanding favours from her. The accused had booked a hotel room and called the victim, who set herself on fire after an argument in the hotel room.
(Those having suicidal tendencies can call Arogya sahaya Vani ph. 104 for help).
Published – January 16, 2025 03:29 pm IST