Jaipur police arrests PWD engr in wife’s suicide case

Jaipur: City police, Thursday, arrested a Public Works Department (PWD) executive engineer in connection with the alleged abetment of his wife’s suicide, more than a month after her death and following the recovery of CCTV footage purportedly showing him assaulting her. The accused, Gautam Meena, was taken into custody after questioning in the case related to the death of his wife, Anu Meena (36), who allegedly died by suicide at their Balaji Vihar residence in the Muhana police station area on April 17. Police said a case of abetment of suicide was registered against Gautam on the complaint of the deceased woman’s family members. He was rounded up Thursday morning and formally arrested later in the day. As part of the investigation, police have recorded statements of Anu’s relatives and other family members. Investigators said CCTV footage installed at the house allegedly showed Gautam assaulting his wife. The footage reportedly surfaced on May 20 after being recovered from Anu’s mobile phone during the probe. Family members have alleged that Anu was subjected to repeated mental and physical harassment and was frequently assaulted by her husband after he consumed alcohol. They further claimed disputes arose after she discovered his alleged affair with a domestic worker. Gautam has denied allegations. He earlier told investigators that he never harassed his wife for money and claimed that nearly 70% of his property was in her name. He also alleged that his children were being influenced against him and said he had spoken to Anu twice on the day of the incident. Police said further investigation is underway, and additional evidence is being examined.