FIR registered against accused in actress Ashika Ranganath’s cousin’s suicide, probe intensifies

BENGALURU: The investigation into the suicide of Achala, cousin of actress Ashika Ranganath, has been intensified by the Puttenahalli police.

Achala committed suicide on November 21, within the jurisdiction of the Puttenahalli police station. After the incident, Achala’s father Harsha filed a complaint at the Puttenahalli police station. He alleged that Mayank Gowda was directly responsible for his daughter’s death.

Mayank Gowda had allegedly pretended to love Achala and had been meeting her. Not only that, he repeatedly forced her into a physical relationship. When Achala refused, he assaulted her many times and threatened to kill her, it is alleged.

Harsha’s complaint led the Puttenahalli police to register an FIR against Mayank Gowda under BNS  Sections 108 and 352 for abetment of suicide and sexual harassment, and they are conducting an investigation.

During the preliminary investigation, no evidence related to a suicide note or the accusations made by Achala’s parents has been found.

The police have sent Achala’s mobile phone to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). If chats and call ‑detail records (CDR) between the accused and Achala are retrieved, the Puttenahalli police will proceed with legal action against Mayank Gowda.