Mumbai Police have registered a case against Anant Garje, the personal assistant to Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Pankaja Munde, following the death by suicide of his wife, Dr Gauri Palve, at their Worli residence on Saturday evening. The case has prompted a detailed investigation as police probe allegations of harassment, domestic disputes, and possible abetment. The incident has drawn significant attention due to both the seriousness of the accusations and Garje’s political association.
Dr Palve, who worked in the dental department of Mumbai’s KEM Hospital, was found hanging inside the couple’s home. The pair had married only recently, in February this year. Police confirmed that no suicide note was recovered from the location, leaving investigators to piece together the circumstances that led to her death. Officers are examining communication records, household dynamics, and statements from both families as they explore every possible angle.
According to investigators, Dr Palve’s family has accused Garje of repeatedly harassing and mentally torturing her, alleging that ongoing domestic conflicts may have driven her to take her own life. They have demanded a thorough and impartial inquiry to determine whether the harassment played a direct role in the tragedy. Acting on the family’s complaint, the Worli Police filed a case against Garje and others under Sections 108, 85, 352, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which cover offences related to instigation, assault, and cruelty.
Officials said early findings suggest that the suicide may be linked to persistent domestic problems between the couple. Alongside the criminal complaint, an accidental death report has also been registered. Police are continuing to gather evidence, record witness statements, and analyse forensic material as part of a wider investigation aimed at establishing accountability and uncovering the exact chain of events leading to Dr Palve’s death.
