Woman Techie In Bengaluru Dies By Suicide After Uncle’s Threat To Leak Private Videos

Woman Techie In Bengaluru Dies By Suicide

A 24-year-old software professional in Bengaluru tragically took her own life after allegedly being blackmailed by her uncle, who threatened to release intimate videos, photos, and private messages. According to police reports, the two had met at a hotel near Kundalahalli metro station to discuss their issues.

During the meeting, the woman reportedly attempted suicide. She was quickly transported to Victoria Hospital, where she later passed away from her injuries. The accused uncle, who tried to intervene, also suffered minor injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest that the two may have been involved in an inappropriate relationship. The woman's mother claimed that her daughter had been living with her uncle and aunt for six years and would often accompany them on trips.

"The FIR in the case states that the harassment began after the woman started seeing someone else. The accused, her aunt's husband, allegedly demanded sexual favours and threatened to release private content. A friend of the woman alerted her parents about the ongoing abuse," according to the Indian Express.

The police did not discover any compromising photos or videos on the accused's phone. However, they have seized the accused's mobile phone and a pen drive, which have been sent for forensic examination to further investigate the matter. The police have charged the accused under Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), previously the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and have taken him into custody.

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What Is Section 108 (Abetment Of Suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, if a person commits suicide and another person abets the act, the abettor can face imprisonment for up to ten years and a fine. The burden of proving any circumstances that could exempt the accused from punishment under the General Exceptions of the BNS, 2023 or any other applicable law rests on the accused. The court will assume that these circumstances do not exist unless proven otherwise.

For example:

• In the case of murder, if the accused claims they were not aware of their actions due to unsoundness of mind, it is their responsibility to prove this claim.
• Similarly, if the accused alleges they were provoked in a manner that led to a loss of self-control, they must prove this.
• Under Section 117, which addresses grievous harm, the accused must prove circumstances that might reduce or change the charge, particularly if it relates to an exception under Section 122.

These provisions emphasise the principle that the accused carries the responsibility of proving defences or exceptions to charges.

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