Team Herald
PANJIM: Police Constable Prathamesh Gawade, who died by suicide after jumping off the new Zuari Bridge near Cortalim, on Friday night, purportedly alleged in a proclaimed self-recorded video that he was mentally tortured by two female colleagues, who were also his family members, Priti Chavan and Tanishka Chavan. He also named Tanishka’s brother, Akash Chavan as someone who tortured him.
Priti was his wife and Tanishka his sister in-law.
Gawade, recently posted at Vasco Railway Police Station, claimed that his relationship with Priti and the family’s disapproval led to harassment that ultimately pushed him to take this drastic step.
In the video, now circulating widely on social media, Gawade detailed how he and Priti had entered into a civil marriage, but her family’s opposition to the relationship allegedly led her to ask him to end his life. He also accused Tanishka and Akash of repeatedly calling him with threats, which he cited as a major factor in his decision.
“We are verifying the claims and facts from the video right now; further action will be initiated based on the findings,” said Dhiraj Devidas, PI of Mormugao Police Station, confirming that an investigation is underway.
The incident has raised concerns about mental health and harassment within the police force, prompting calls for better support systems to help personnel cope with such challenges.
Prathamesh in the video also begged for forgiveness from his parents and appealed to all Goans to give him justice.
Prathamesh’s family is struggling to meet their daily requirements. His father works in Cuncolim Industrial Estate, while mother supports the family through the milk business and preparation of snacks and other food items.
The family members and netizens have blamed Priti, her brother and sister for Prathamesh’s death.
Netizens have demanded that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant direct the top police officials to thoroughly investigate the matter and deliver justice to Prathamesh’s family by arresting the culprits.
It is learnt that Prathamesh completed marine engineering at Vasco Shipbuilding College and took up a job in the police department at the age of 20 to help his family financially.