Pune: Minor Girl Who Died by Suicide After Harassment Tops Class 10 Exams, Shocking Entire Village
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The 15-year-old from Korhale Khurd, who ended her life after persistent threats and stalking, had secured first rank in her school with 78.40% in the SSC exams.
A heartbreaking development has come to light from Korhale Khurd village in Baramati taluka, where a 15-year-old girl, who died by suicide in early April due to sustained harassment by local youths, was revealed to have topped her school in the recently declared Class 10 board exams. She had scored 78.40 percent, securing the first position, an achievement that has left the entire village in deep shock and sorrow.
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education released the SSC results on Tuesday (May 13), and the news of her success resurfaced the tragic circumstances surrounding her death. The girl had been battling fear and trauma from consistent threats and stalking. Her family and villagers expressed grief that she could not live to witness her academic success or receive appreciation for her hard work.
According to reports, the girl had been harassed over several days by a group of young men who followed her while she commuted daily to attend a vocational course after her exams. The main accused, Vishal Dattatray Gawade, allegedly threatened her with dire consequences if she refused to marry him before the upcoming village yatra. He told her that if she did not agree, he would kill her entire family with a sickle.
On April 2, the girl informed her family of the threats. She had also been subjected to taunting and bullying by other boys in the village, who referred to her as “sister-in-law” in public and sent inappropriate messages on social media. The relentless intimidation took a toll on her mental health, and on April 8, she died by suicide by hanging herself at home.
Her father lodged a complaint, following which the Vadgaon Nimbalkar Police Station registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and sections related to abetment of suicide and atrocity. The accused, Vishal Dattatray Gawade, Pravin Namdev Gawade, Shubham Satish Gawade, and Sunil Hanumant Khomne were taken into custody and are currently in jail.
Sub-divisional Police Officer (Baramati) confirmed that one arrest had been made initially and others followed. The investigation continues.
The resurfacing of this case, following her academic results, has sparked renewed outrage and grief in Baramati. The incident has brought attention once again to the urgent need for stronger safeguards for minors and swift justice in cases involving harassment and threats.
