In a significant development, the High Court (HC) has granted anticipatory bail to Udaya Kumar Shetty, the bank supervisor of SCDCC Bank in Siddapur, in connection with the tragic suicide of Asha, the assistant manager of the bank, on March 23 earlier this year. The incident prompted Asha’s husband to file a police complaint at Shankaranarayana police station.
According to the complaint lodged by Asha’s husband, she had left for work at 9 am on March 23. However, around 12:30 pm, the bank manager, Mahesh Rao, contacted him to report that Asha had abruptly left work without completing her tasks. Upon returning home, Asha’s husband found her attempting to take her own life. Despite immediate efforts to rush her to the hospital, Asha succumbed on the way. The complaint alleged that bank supervisor Udaya Kumar Shetty had been pressuring Asha regarding financial misconduct, even suggesting suicide if she failed to rectify the situation.
Subsequently, the police registered an FIR against Udaya Kumar Shetty, accusing him of instigating Asha to end her life and other associated charges. Seeking to evade potential arrest, Udaya Kumar Shetty petitioned the high court for anticipatory bail.
Justice H P Sandesh, presiding over the case, granted anticipatory bail to the accused under the condition that he must cooperate fully with the investigating officer and present himself for further inquiries.
If you are feeling suicidal or have suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone and there is help available. You can call any of the following helpline numbers in India to talk to someone who will listen to you and support you.
1. National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1800-121-3667. This is a toll-free number that provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones
2. Aasra: 9820466726. This is a 24/7 helpline that offers non-judgmental and non-critical listening to anyone who needs emotional support
3. iCall: 022-25521111. This is a helpline run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences that offers professional counselling, information and referrals to anyone in need of mental health care. It operates from Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm
Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of these helplines if you are feeling suicidal. You are valuable and your life matters.
