34-Yr-Old BJP Leader Commits Suicide; Why Was She Stressed?

Surat: A 34-year-old Gujarat BJP leader allegedly committed suicide in her Surat home, a police official said on Monday.

Dipika Patel, president of BJP women’s wing in ward 30 of Surat city, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her bedroom at around 2 pm on Sunday, PTI quoted Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vijaysinh Gurjar as saying.

“No suicide note was found from the spot. Before taking the extreme step, she had called ward 30 corporator Chirag Solanki, whom she considered as a brother. Patel told Solanki she was in stress and wanted to end her life. Solanki rushed to Dipika’s house and broke open the door of her bedroom after there was no response from inside despite repeated knocks,” the DCP told reporters.

Dipika’s three children – aged 13, 14 and 16 — were present when Solanki reached her residence in Bhimrad area, but her husband, a farmer, was away, the police official informed. Solanki rushed Dipika to a civil hospital where doctors declared her brought dead.

“The post-mortem report has confirmed death by hanging. Her mobile phone has been sent for forensic analysis as part of the probe,” Gurjar added.

Police are exploring all angles to find what was troubling Dipika. They hope to find possible leads by analysing her call records.

Cops have spoken to the BJP leader’s husband, her three children and other family members.

“The family does not suspect anyone of abetting the suicide or any reason that could have led to it… The family members said she was a very strong woman and the family’s main decision-maker. They have assured us of cooperation and want the truth to be exposed,” said Gurjar.

Solanki has also been questioned by police. “Chirag Solanki has said he considered her a sister. We are still questioning him.”