A Bengaluru woman questioned in the Bhovi scam case died by suicide

Bengaluru news: Police said a 33-year-old woman, suspected in a fraud case under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), died by suicide at her home in Banashankari on Friday.

The deceased, identified as Jeeva of Padmanabhanagar, was an advocate and a key figure in a case involving alleged misappropriation of funds meant for a Bhovi community employment scheme. In her 11-page suicide note, Jeeva accused the CID’s deputy superintendent of police (DySP) of harassment, prompting the authorities to register a case of abetment to suicide against the officer, PTI reported.

Police said Jeeva ended her life between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and her body was found around 10:00 a.m. by her sister. She was found hanging from a ceiling fan with a saree. Her sister also found the suicide note and immediately notified the police.

The note states that Jeeva had returned from the CID investigation on Thursday before he took the drastic step.

The investigation relates to a 2021-22 scam in which bureaucrats and middlemen allegedly embezzled a significant portion of loans under an employment program meant for members of the Bhovi community, reports the New Indian Express. Jeeva’s alleged involvement came to light when funds were reportedly transferred to her bank account from corporate accounts.

The case pertains to three FIRs initially registered at Siddapura, Doddaballapur and Kalagi (Kalaburagi) police stations, which were later handed over to the CID in 2023.

A case of abetment to suicide was lodged at Banashankari police station. Police confirmed that they had launched a detailed investigation into both the circumstances of Jeeva’s death and the allegations contained in her note.

(If someone has mental health issues or knows someone who is having suicidal thoughts, they can reach out for emotional support at the hotlines of suicide prevention organizations in the state.

Sahai (24 hours a day): 080 65000111, 080 65000222

Sneha Suicide Prevention Center: 044 24640050)