The young girl, a resident of Korhale Khurd, had recently completed her Class 10 board exams and was attending a vocational course when her life took a tragic turn. According to police reports, she faced sustained harassment and intimidation by a group of local youths. The main accused, Vishal Dattatray Gawade, along with three accomplices, allegedly stalked her, sent inappropriate messages, and publicly taunted her by calling her “sister-in-law.” The harassment escalated to threats of violence, with the main accused reportedly telling her that her parents would be killed if she refused to marry him before the village fair.
On April 2, the girl confided in her family about the threats and bullying. The trauma proved overwhelming, and on April 8, she died by suicide at her home. Her father immediately lodged a complaint, leading to the arrest of the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and sections related to abetment of suicide and atrocity. All four accused are currently in jail as the investigation continues.
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education released the Class 10 results on May 13, 2025. It was then revealed that the late student had secured 78.40%-the highest in her school-posthumously earning her the title of Class 10 topper. The news has devastated her family and the entire village, who mourn not only her loss but also the fact that she could not witness or celebrate her own hard-earned success.
Her teachers and peers described her as a bright, hardworking student with a promising future. The village, still reeling from the tragedy, has been left to wonder what more she could have achieved had she not been subjected to such cruelty.
The resurfacing of this case following the announcement of her academic achievement has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow in Baramati and beyond. Local residents and activists are demanding stricter enforcement of anti-harassment laws, better protection for minors, and more robust mental health support in schools.
The incident has also highlighted the need for communities to be more vigilant and supportive, ensuring that victims of harassment feel safe to speak out and receive timely help. Authorities have reiterated the importance of reporting harassment early and utilizing helplines and support services for those in distress.
This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked harassment and the urgent need for systemic change. The arrests under POCSO and abetment to suicide laws demonstrate the seriousness with which authorities are treating such cases, but activists argue that prevention, awareness, and community involvement are equally crucial. Mental health organizations in Pune have renewed calls for greater awareness, counseling services in schools, and campaigns to destigmatize seeking help for emotional distress.