A 27-year-old nurse working at the U N Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre allegedly died by suicide after jumping into the Nabhoi Narmada Canal. Meghaninagar police have registered a case against his wife and three of her relatives for abetment to suicide and offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The deceased, Bhavishya alias Bakul Solanki, lived in Kalapinagar and was part of the hospital’s nursing staff. His father, Nathubhai Solanki, filed a complaint alleging that continuous mental harassment by Bhavishya’s wife, Brindaben Patel, and her family drove him to take the extreme step.
Police said Bhavishya had married Brindaben, a resident of Dholka, in an inter-caste love marriage about five years ago. According to the complaint, her family opposed the marriage and did not accept him due to his Scheduled Caste background.
Tensions reportedly escalated earlier this year after a dispute between the couple, following which Brindaben left the house and filed complaints against him. The FIR alleges that her family also threatened and harassed Bhavishya, including using casteist slurs during a visit to their home.
Family members said Bhavishya had earlier attempted suicide and had told them he was under severe stress due to ongoing harassment. Despite this, the alleged harassment continued.
On March 9, he is believed to have jumped into the Nabhoi canal again. His belongings were found near the canal bank. After a search operation, his body was recovered near Jaspur village on March 11. Initially, an accidental death case was registered.
During the investigation, the family submitted screenshots of his WhatsApp status, in which he allegedly named his wife and her relatives, accusing them of harassment and holding them responsible for his death.
Based on the complaint, police have booked Brindaben Patel, her father Mukeshkumar Patel, and relatives Swetalben Patel and Anchal Patel.