SIT Chargesheet Details Alleged Mental Harassment in BJP Minister's Aide Suicide Case

SIT Chargesheet Details Alleged Mental Harassment in BJP Minister's Aide Suicide Case

In a significant development in a high-profile case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted a detailed chargesheet alleging that Anant Gajre, the personal assistant to BJP minister Pankaja Munde, engaged in sustained mental harassment of his wife, Gauri Palve, which ultimately led to her tragic suicide in November 2025. The chargesheet, filed last month, paints a disturbing picture of domestic abuse and psychological pressure.

Heated Argument and Alleged Provocation

According to the chargesheet, on November 22, 2025, Anant Gajre got into a heated argument with his 27-year-old dentist wife, Gauri Palve, over the phone. During this confrontation, he allegedly abused her, blamed her for damaging his reputation, and repeatedly provoked her by telling her to "die." Investigators state that both parties were heard discussing suicide in the recording, which Anant later forwarded to Gauri's phone with the intention of intimidating her and tarnishing her image.

Key Evidence: Voice Recordings and Messages

The chargesheet highlights a crucial piece of technical evidence: a voice recording made by Anant that captured the argument shortly before Gauri's death. Additionally, it relies on 17 voice messages sent by Gauri to a friend, in which she described alleged torture by her husband, who threatened to make the messages viral. Police assert that Anant's act of forwarding the voice clips to Gauri's phone was deliberate, aimed at exerting psychological pressure and creating fear that the recording could be circulated to further malign her reputation.

Police Findings and Legal Proceedings

Police have concluded that Anant's actions amounted to deliberate instigation, pushing Gauri to commit suicide. Based on witness testimonies and technical evidence, they found that he betrayed the marital relationship by continuously mentally and physically torturing Gauri and concealing significant aspects of his past life from her. The transcripts of the recording and voice messages were prepared under panchnama and included as documentary evidence in the chargesheet.

Statements from the complainant and other witnesses corroborate allegations that Anant subjected Gauri to sustained harassment. Police noted that Gauri took the extreme step fearing that Anant would circulate the recording among society members, thereby damaging her reputation.

Case Background and Forensic Details

The case was initially registered as an Accidental Death Report following Gauri's death at their 30th-floor flat in Navin BDD Chawl, Worli, Mumbai. An inquest panchnama was conducted before two government magistrates, and the body was sent to Nair Hospital for post-mortem. The autopsy confirmed death due to ligature compression of the neck, classified as an unnatural death.

During the investigation, multiple forensic examinations were carried out at the scene. Several articles, including bedding, hair samples, cushion covers, blankets, and dust samples, were seized and sent to forensic laboratories for chemical analysis.

Clean Chit for Co-Accused

In a related development, police have given a clean chit to the two co-accused—Anant's brother Ajay and sister Sheetal Gajre Andhale—citing a lack of evidence. The chargesheet focuses solely on Anant Gajre, who is 32 years old, for allegedly abetting the suicide of his wife.