Suicide Case – Husband Arrested After Mahim Woman’s Death
Suicide Case – A 38-year-old man has been arrested by the Mahim Police in connection with the alleged suicide of his wife, following claims of prolonged domestic harassment linked to an extramarital relationship. The accused, identified as Shrikant Vinayak Pednekar, was taken into custody on Thursday. A local court later granted police custody for three days to allow further investigation.
Incident Reported on New Year’s Night
The deceased, Yashoda Shrikant Pednekar, 35, was found dead at her residence in Mahim Koliwada between midnight on December 31, 2025, and 9:30 am on January 1, 2026. Police officials said she was discovered after an argument reportedly took place between the couple on New Year’s Eve.
According to investigators, following the dispute, Yashoda went into a separate room in their home and allegedly hanged herself. Shrikant later rushed her to Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.
Marriage and Allegations of Extramarital Affair
Yashoda, originally from Raigad district, had married Shrikant in May 2013 in what police described as a love marriage. After their wedding, the couple settled in the Mahim Koliwada and Mahim Causeway areas of Mumbai. Officials noted that the first few years of their marriage were reportedly stable.
However, in 2016, Yashoda allegedly learned about her husband’s extramarital relationship. Police sources said this discovery marked a turning point in their relationship, leading to repeated disputes. Over time, the arguments reportedly became frequent and intense.
Claims of Mental and Physical Harassment
Investigators said Yashoda had confided in her sister about facing mental and physical harassment. Police allege that Shrikant would verbally abuse her and, on some occasions, physically assault her over minor domestic issues.
Distressed by the situation, Yashoda is said to have left the matrimonial home at one point and returned to her sister’s residence in Raigad. She also approached a family court there, seeking relief from the ongoing conflict. However, after discussions between the families, the couple reportedly reconciled in February 2017, and Yashoda returned to live with her husband in Mahim.
Despite the compromise, police claim that the alleged harassment did not cease. Officials stated that Yashoda endured continued mental stress and physical abuse over several years, which may have affected her emotional well-being.
Complaint Filed by Sister
Nearly one-and-a-half months after the incident, Yashoda’s sister, Manda Mhatre, approached the Mahim Police Station and lodged a formal complaint. In her statement, she accused Shrikant of subjecting her sister to sustained cruelty and of driving her to take the extreme step.
Following a preliminary inquiry and verification of the allegations, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to abetment of suicide and cruelty by a husband.
Court Proceedings and Ongoing Probe
Shrikant was produced before a local court in Bandra on Friday afternoon. The court remanded him to police custody until Monday, February 23, to facilitate further questioning and evidence collection.
Police officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing. They are examining statements from family members, medical reports, and other material evidence to determine the circumstances that led to Yashoda’s death.
Authorities have urged individuals facing domestic distress to seek timely support from family members, counselors, or legal aid services.