What led to the tragic suicide of Pan Masala Tycoon’s daughter-in-law?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deepti Chaurasia faced severe abuse leading to her suicide.
- An FIR has been filed against her husband and mother-in-law.
- Deepti's mother is seeking justice and a comprehensive investigation.
- The case highlights issues of domestic violence and the need for support systems.
- Community response is crucial in seeking justice.
New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) The Delhi Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Arpit Chaurasia and his mother, Usha Chaurasia, following the tragic suicide of Deepti Chaurasia, the daughter-in-law of Kamal Kishor Chaurasia, the owner of Kamla Pasand pan masala. This incident occurred days after she was discovered hanging at her residence in southwest Delhi, as confirmed by an official on Saturday.
The lifeless body of the 38-year-old woman was found in the dressing area of her home in Vasant Vihar on the afternoon of November 25. Her husband attempted to rush her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
On Friday, a case was registered under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 3(5) (joint liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, based on a complaint lodged by Deepti's mother at the local police station.
In her statement, Deepti's mother, Sharda, mentioned that Deepti entered into an arranged marriage with Arpit in 2010 and reported that the abuse began almost immediately.
According to Sharda, "In February-March 2011, Arpit and Usha physically assaulted my daughter while she was pregnant. When Deepti informed us, we rushed to Delhi, and the family apologized, promising it would not happen again, which led to a temporary resolution between both families."
Sharda further alleged that shortly after the birth of her grandson, Deepti discovered that Arpit was involved in an extramarital affair in Mumbai and had married another woman, with whom he had an illegitimate daughter.
The statement also indicated that Arpit engaged in substance abuse, leading to both physical and mental harassment of Deepti.
Afterward, Sharda took Deepti and her grandson to Howrah. However, soon after, Arpit's family pleaded for forgiveness, assuring that there would be no further issues. Deepti's family also received a written commitment from Arpit.
Despite a brief respite, the mistreatment resumed. Sharda recounted, "My daughter confided that her mother-in-law had begun to mistreat her, subjecting her to mental abuse and isolation from social events. Arpit continued to indulge in substance abuse and further subjected Deepti to abuse, leaving her tormented by the sight of her son's expression."
Sharda reported that Arpit would frequently leave the house without informing Deepti, while his mother insisted that Deepti not question his whereabouts. Arpit's unpredictable late-night returns exacerbated the situation. When their daughter was born, he kept multiple locks on his phone, refusing to share it with Deepti.
According to the complaint, tensions escalated in April 2024, when Deepti discovered explicit videos, photos, and messages on Arpit's phone. This prompted her to return to her parents' home with her children. Shortly thereafter, Arpit's mother visited to assure Deepti's parents that there would be no repeat of past incidents.
Nevertheless, Sharda stated that the abuse resumed shortly after. "After a few months, Arpit reverted to his abusive behavior... On November 25, Deepti called me at 7:30 a.m., inquiring about her father and mentioning a significant argument regarding their son's mobile. We advised her to remain calm, and I ended the call to pray at home," she recounted.
"At 11:30 a.m., I tried to reach Deepti, but she didn’t answer. After multiple attempts over 30 minutes, I contacted her mother-in-law, who claimed to be at the airport and knew nothing. I then called Arpit, who said he was returning from the gym. Around 12 noon, I received a call from my cousin informing me that Deepti had been taken to the hospital and was deceased. Upon arrival at Holy Angel Hospital, we found Deepti lifeless," she added.
Sharda accused Arpit and Usha of prolonged cruelty, stating, "My daughter experienced immense suffering at the hands of Arpit and Usha Chaurasia, leading to her tragic decision to take her own life. Legal action must be taken against those responsible for my daughter’s death."
"I seek justice for my daughter and call for a comprehensive investigation, including a CBI inquiry," her statement concluded.