Pune: A tragic story has emerged from Korhale Khurd village in Baramati taluka, where a 15-year-old girl who died by suicide in early April following persistent stalking and threats by local youths had recently secured the highest rank in her school in the Class 10 board exams. She achieved a commendable score of 78.40 percent, a success that has deeply saddened the entire village as they mourn both her loss and her unfulfilled potential.
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education announced the SSC results on May 13, bringing to light the heartbreaking contrast between her academic achievement and the tragic circumstances that led to her death. The young girl had been living under constant fear due to ongoing harassment from a group of boys in her village, which affected her mental well-being severely.
Reports indicate that the harassment began after her exams, during her daily commute to a vocational course. The primary accused, Vishal Dattatray Gawade, allegedly threatened her with severe consequences if she did not agree to marry him before the village yatra festival. He purportedly warned that he would harm her entire family if she refused. Along with verbal threats, the girl faced public taunts, being mockingly called “sister-in-law” by other boys, and was subjected to inappropriate messages on social media.
On April 2, the girl confided in her family about the threats. Despite their efforts to protect her, the relentless intimidation took a tragic toll. On April 8, she ended her life by hanging herself at home.
Her father filed a formal complaint, leading to the Vadgaon Nimbalkar Police Station registering cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and relevant sections for abetment of suicide and atrocity. The accused—Vishal Dattatray Gawade, Pravin Namdev Gawade, Shubham Satish Gawade, and Sunil Hanumant Khomne—have been arrested and are currently in custody.
Baramati’s Sub-divisional Police Officer confirmed the arrests and stated that the investigation is ongoing.
The revelation of the girl’s academic success alongside the tragic circumstances of her death has reignited public outrage and grief in Baramati. This case underscores the urgent necessity for stronger protections for minors and expedited justice in harassment cases.
