Man booked in dowry harassment case found dead in Nagpur, mother hospitalised

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A case that began with allegations of dowry harassment in Bengaluru took a tragic turn in Nagpur, where a newly married man accused of abetting his wife’s suicide was found dead in a hotel room, police said on Saturday. His mother, who was with him, survived a suicide attempt.

The man, Suraj Shivanna, around 35, lived in the Vidyaranyapura area of Bengaluru. Police said he was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan late Friday night in a hotel on Wardha Road. His mother, Jayanti Shivanna, about 60, was found unconscious in the same room and was rushed to hospital. She is now stable.

The incident follows the death of Suraj’s wife, Ganavi, who had been married to him for barely six weeks. The couple had been living together in Bengaluru. On Thursday, Ganavi allegedly attempted suicide at their home and later died during treatment.

After her death, Ganavi’s parents filed a complaint accusing Suraj and his family of dowry harassment. A case of abetment of suicide was registered, and the woman’s family also held protests seeking action.

Police said Suraj and his mother left Bengaluru soon after the FIR was lodged. They told police they feared arrest and claimed they were receiving threats from Ganavi’s relatives. The two first travelled to Hyderabad before reaching Nagpur on December 26. Suraj’s younger brother, Sanjay, was also with them.

Hotel staff alerted the police after noticing something was wrong. Officers from Sonegaon police station reached the spot and found Suraj dead.

"Suraj Shivanna hanged himself from a ceiling fan in the hotel room. After learning about her son’s death, his mother, Jayanti, attempted suicide but was saved," said Senior Inspector Nitin Magar. "She has been admitted to a hospital and is out of danger".

Suraj’s body has been sent for post-mortem. Police have recorded statements, including that of his brother.

"A case of accidental death has been registered for now, and we are coordinating with Bengaluru police regarding the abetment case," Magar said.

Police said further investigation is underway.