A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Mumbai has reportedly found no concrete evidence to support the serious charge of abetment to suicide against Arun Garje, the personal assistant of state BJP minister Pankaja Munde, and his relatives. This development comes in the high-profile case concerning the death of Garje's wife, 27-year-old dental surgeon Dr Gauri Palave.
Key Findings Shape Investigation's Direction
Police sources indicate that the charges under BNS Section 108 for abetment to suicide may not be sustainable based on the evidence gathered so far. Instead, the offence may be limited to sections related to cruelty by a husband or his relatives. If proven, this carries a maximum imprisonment of three years, a significant reduction from the ten-year term possible for abetment.
The SIT, led by DCP Ragasudha R, was formed due to the sensitive nature of the case. Dr Gauri Palave was found dead in the couple's flat in the redeveloped Worli BDD chawl on November 22, 2025. She had married Arun Garje in February 2025.
Medical Reports and Circumstantial Evidence
The investigation has relied heavily on medical opinions and digital evidence. Two medical reports have been examined. An initial report from the state-run JJ Hospital stated the cause of death as hanging. However, a second panel of doctors submitted a report last week pinpointing asphyxia as the cause of death, while ruling out strangulation or foul play.
Officials stated that the SIT has scrutinised hospital reports, CCTV footage, call detail records (CDR), and witness statements. The sequence of events, including the timing of Gauri's last call to Garje while he was on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, matched his CDR and location data. The police's initial inquiry found she called him half an hour before her death, after which he rushed home to find her body.
Controversial Actions After the Death
A controversial aspect of the case involves Arun Garje's actions upon discovering his wife. According to police, he did not immediately call the police. Instead, he took the body off the noose and hid the piece of cloth she had used. When arrested the next day, he claimed he hid the cloth to protect his family from shame and that he believed Gauri was still breathing and could be saved by doctors.
Allegations of Harassment and a Previous Relationship
The deceased's parents, Ashok Palave and his wife, have levelled serious allegations. They claim their daughter was subjected to mental and physical harassment by Garje and his relatives over a document revealing a prior relationship. On September 30, 2025, Gauri sent her father photographs of documents found while shifting homes. These included a consent letter and declaration from Mamta Hospital in Latur, dated November 16, 2021, indicating a woman was pregnant and listing Arun Garje as her husband.
The situation escalated on October 3, 2025, Garje's birthday, when Gauri's parents arrived unannounced and noticed injuries on her face and neck. She initially gave evasive answers but later confessed to being harassed over the discovered document.
Legal Perspective on Abetment Charges
Advocate Prashant Patil commented on the legal intricacies, stating, "BNS Section 108 which talks about abetment to commit suicide is the most commonly abused provision of law." He explained that the section requires proof of "instigation" with criminal intent to create circumstances so dire that the victim feels compelled to end their life. "Mere words or sentences uttered in a fit of rage cannot attract the provisions of this law," he added, emphasising the need for solid evidence.
The SIT's investigation appears to be concluding that while allegations of cruelty exist, the high bar for proving abetment to suicide has not been met. The final chargesheet will determine whether the case proceeds with the lesser charge of cruelty, marking a pivotal turn in this closely watched Mumbai case.
