Delhi model found dead, suicide note claims torture

A two-page suicide note left behind alleges assault, harassment and dowry demand by her husband and mother-in-law. Her husband has been arrested.

Priyanka Kapoor, who also ran an event management company was allegedly stressed after being assaulted and harassed by her husband –Nitin Chawla (37) whom she married on January 6 this year. Chawla is a divorcee and had two children from his earlier marriage. He allegedly took divorce from his wife after meeting Priyanka and falling in love with her.

According to  Priyanka’s family members, Chawla was besotted by her and wanted to marry her at the earliest. They were unaware about his first marriage. “I am not sure whether Priyanka was aware about it or not. On the day of the wedding, they got to know about his first marriage and two children. By then, the duo had already tied the knot,” Dimpi Kapoor, Priyanka’s sister said.

Chawla, who runs several pubs and lounges in South Delhi, saw Priyanka in April last year and started stalking her. Initially, she was uncomfortable with his advances but later the duo fell in love. Everyday, Chawla used to bring flowers for her and pick her from her house in different luxury cars. He was also very possessive about her and did not like if someone talked to her. However, soon after their marriage, he allegedly started assaulting her.

On January 30, Priyanka had made a call to her mother alleging that Chawla was torturing her. She also complained that her mother-in-law was assaulting her and demanding dowry. The matter was not reported to the police then. Late on Thursday, when her phone remained unanswered, Chawla along with Priyanka’s mother reached their Defence Colony residence on the third floor and found the doors locked from inside. A police team  reached the spot and broke open the door and found her hanging from the ceiling fan.

Dimpi alleged that Chawla took a huge sum of money in dowry but still used to torture, beat and harass Priyanka. Similar allegations were made in the suicide note which was recovered from the spot, a source close to investigation confirmed.

“A two-page suicide note has been recovered alleging that she is scared of her husband and mother-in-law who have threatened her life,” said a senior police official. Based on victim’s sister’s statement, police arrested Chawla under the section- 498 A, 304 B and 34 of IPC. A SDM inquiry has been ordered.