Kannada actress Ashika’s relative dies by suicide

A 22-year-old woman related to Kannada actress Ashika Ranganath died by suicide in Bengaluru, allegedly due to sustained sexual and mental harassment by her boyfriend. The incident has caused deep shock in Panduranga Nagar, where the young woman had been staying.
The victim, Achal (22), hailed from Hassan and had recently completed her engineering degree.
She had moved to Bengaluru and was staying at a relative’s house in Panduranga Nagar while searching for work.
During this period, she entered into a relationship with a distant relative, Mayank.
According to police, Mayank was addicted to drugs and had been repeatedly forcing Achal into a sexual relationship before marriage. He allegedly harassed her both physically and mentally and continued to threaten her over the phone. The harassment intensified in recent weeks, leaving her distressed.
Achal later learned that Mayank was also involved with another woman. Upset and unable to bear the emotional pressure, she reportedly sent him a text message stating that she was going to end her life.
Taking advantage of a moment when her relatives were out of the house, Achal died by suicide by hanging herself.
When the family members returned, they were shocked to find her hanging from the ceiling.
Police from Puttenahalli Police Station arrived at the scene, conducted an inspection and sent the body to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.
Achal’s parents have filed a complaint accusing Mayank and his mother Myna of abetment of suicide and harassment. Based on the complaint, police have registered a case against both and begun further investigation.
The tragic incident has created a stir in the neighbourhood and within the actress’s extended family.