Cabbie dies by suicide outside estranged wife’s house in Bengaluru

A 39-year-old cab driver died by suicide outside his estranged wife’s residence in Jnanabharati, West Bengaluru, on Thursday morning. The man, identified as H. Manjunath from Tumakuru and a resident of NGEF Layout, set himself ablaze after repeated attempts to reconcile with his wife failed.

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Manjunath had married Nayana Raj, a make-up artist, in 2013. The couple had a nine-year-old son. However, their relationship deteriorated, and Nayana filed for divorce in 2022. Since then, the two had been living separately. According to police, Manjunath often visited Nayana’s parental home, pleading with her to withdraw the divorce petition, but she consistently refused.

On Thursday morning, Manjunath visited Nayana again around 8:30 a.m. to persuade her, but his request was declined. Around 11:30 a.m., he reportedly stood outside her house, poured an unidentified inflammable liquid on himself, and set himself on fire. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Following the incident, Manjunath’s mother, Nanjamma, lodged a complaint against Nayana, her parents, and her sister, alleging foul play. Police have registered a case under BNS 194 for disturbing peace by engaging in a public altercation.

Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances leading to the tragic event. Authorities are also probing Nanjamma’s allegations for further clarity.