The Karnataka High Court on Monday, May 30, refused to grant anticipatory bail to Anish Koroth, the absconding husband of the Malayali journalist N Shruthi who died by suicide in Bengaluru over a month ago. The 37-year-old journalist took her own life allegedly after facing harassment from Anish Koroth. She had been working at Reuters in Bengaluru, and on March 24, was found dead in Whitefield, Bengaluru.
The bail plea had been filed by Anish Koroth’s advocates in a different court, and the lawyers also approached the high court as well. Both courts have rejected his anticipatory bail. Anish has been absconding since her death, for close to two months now, and police teams have not been able to find him.
The complaint against Anish for abetting Shruthi’s suicide was filed by her brother, Nishanth with the Whitefield police, who booked him under Sections 306 (abetment to suicide) and 498A (cruelty by husband or relative) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
At the time of Shruthi’s death, police also found a suicide note dated four days before she passed away, in which she alleged that Anish harassed and abused her. As per the Times of India, three suicide notes were found —for her husband, her parents and the police.
Nishanth’s complaint to the police said that Anish allegedly physically abused Shruthi when he was drunk, and also harass her for money. It also cites an instance from January 2022, when the apartment’s security guards had to intervene.
Hindustan Times had earlier reported that there were allegations that Shruthi’s movements were monitored by Anish, allegedly by installing hidden cameras in the house. The two also reportedly fought over the fact that Shruthi sent some money to her parents every month from her salary.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.