A 20-year-old student killed herself in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district on Tuesday after allegedly being harassed by her stalker.  The victim has been identified as Joneboyina Jhansi, hailing from Konijerla village in Gampalagudem. She is the daughter of a farmer. Jhansi was an undergraduate pursuing her final year at a private college at Gampalagudem mandal headquarters according to police sources.

Twenty-five-year-old Namburi Gopi, the alleged stalker, hails from the same village. He is a graduate and having to failed to find employment, took up farming. A case under IPC section 306 (abetment of suicide) was registred based on a complaint of the victim’s father Joneboyina Srinivasa Rao. Gopi, however, is yet to be arrested.

According to local media reports, Gopi used to follow her regularly in the village and after her college. On Tuesday, Gopi reportedly asked Jhansi to marry him even as she was returning from college. After she turned down his proposal, Gopi allegedly slapped in the bus to their village.  Reports also suggest that he also allegedly threatened her, stating that he would kill her and her family members if she didn’t agree to marry him.

Following the alleged incident, Jhansi went to her farm, where she consumed pesticide. She died before being taken to the hospital.

On Wednesday, Konijerla village remained tense as relatives of the victim protested in front of the residence of the accused, demanding immediate justice. Police have handed over Jhansi’s body to the family following the post-mortem on Wednesday evening.

When asked about the alleged stalking, the Investigation Officer said that they are still investigating the case.

Speaking to TNM Someshwara Rao, the Investigation Officer said, "The case has been registered based on the complaint of her father, who alleged that his daughter has been subjected to stalking and harassment in the name of love by Gopi, who has also allegedly slapped her for refusing his proposal to marry him."

He added, "The case investigation is under way and the accused is yet to be arrested".

According to the police’s preliminary investigation, both the accused and the victim were known to each other and Gopi could not digest the fact that Jhansi’s parents had started looking out for a match for her.

If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help.

Life Suicide Prevention Helpline No.78930-78930

Roshni Helpline 1: +91-66202000, Helpline 2: +91-27848584