Maharashtra Minister's Aide Arrested Following Wife's Alleged Suicide in Mumbai

Anant Garje, who serves as the personal assistant to Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde, has been taken into custody by Mumbai's Worli Police following the alleged suicide of his wife, Gauri Garje.

According to officials, Garje was arrested early Monday morning and is scheduled to appear in court later that day.

Authorities reported that Gauri Garje allegedly took her own life at their residence in central Mumbai after a domestic dispute. She was discovered hanging in their home in the Worli area on Saturday evening.

The couple had married on February 7 earlier this year. Gauri Palve-Garje worked as a dental professional at the civic-operated KEM Hospital. Their wedding ceremony was well-attended by numerous guests, including state minister Pankaja Munde and former MP Pritam Munde.

Police statements indicate that Palve's family has accused Anant Garje of subjecting her to harassment and torture, which they claim led to her suicide. The family is demanding a comprehensive investigation into her death.

In their formal complaint, Palve's relatives alleged that Garje was involved in an extramarital relationship, and that Palve had discovered him communicating with another woman via mobile phone.

The police revealed that the couple frequently argued about this issue, with Garje allegedly threatening his wife during these confrontations.

Palve's uncle has contested the suicide narrative, suggesting instead that she was murdered. He has implicated Garje and his family members in her death and is calling for both an in-camera postmortem examination and an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Contrary to these allegations, Anant Garje told investigators that he was not at home when the incident occurred. He stated that upon returning, he found their door locked from inside. According to his account, he accessed their 30th-floor apartment by entering through a window from the 31st floor, where he discovered Gauri hanging.

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