Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde’s PA held in wife’s suicide case

The FIR, lodged on Sunday, is based on a detailed statement by Gauri’s father, Ashok Palve. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Worli police on Monday arrested Anant Garje, the personal assistant to Maharashtra Minister for Animal Husbandry, Environment and Climate Change Pankaja Munde, in connection with the alleged suicide of his 28-year-old wife, Dr Gauri Palve, at the couple's rented apartment on Saturday evening. Garje was produced before court later in the day and remanded to police custody till November 27, officers confirmed. "We are awaiting the post-mortem findings to ascertain the exact cause of death and rule out any foul play," a senior officer said.

Father's complaint

The FIR, lodged on Sunday, is based on a detailed statement by Gauri's father, Ashok Palve, who alleged that his daughter faced mental harassment after marrying Garje in February this year. Palve claimed that the couple argued frequently and that on October 3, Gauri had sent him multiple photographs on WhatsApp suggesting that Garje was involved with another woman.

The FIR further states that when Gauri confronted him, Garje had allegedly threatened to harm himself and blame her. Palve also alleged that Garje's relatives named in the FIR were aware of the alleged affair and told Gauri that if she left him, they would get him remarried.

Injuries raise suspicion

Palve told police that during a recent visit to the Worli home, the family noticed "injury marks" on Gauri, though she avoided giving clear answers. He also mentioned that he missed two of Gauri's calls on Friday; when he returned the call, she told him everything was fine. On Saturday evening, the family received a call from Garje informing them that Gauri had "died by suicide". She was taken to Nair Hospital, where she was declared dead.

Family wants CBI probe

While police have registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS relating to abetment of suicide and cruelty by husband or relatives, Gauri's uncle has publicly alleged foul play. He has demanded an in-camera post-mortem, a CBI investigation, and intervention from senior state leaders, including the chief minister and deputy chief ministers. The police said all allegations will be examined as part of an ongoing, evidence-based investigation.