Bengaluru (PTI): A 27-year-old gym trainer allegedly died by hanging at his house in Nelamangala on the outskirts of the city with his family alleging blackmailing and harassment by a married woman, police said on Monday.

The deceased, identified as Dileep, was a bodybuilder who had won several competitions and was working as a fitness trainer at a gym, they said.

According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday night and came to light after the woman sent a message to Dileep's sister informing her about his decision to take the extreme step.

Family members then broke open the door of the room and found him hanging from a ceiling fan.

Police said Dileep had befriended a 42-year-old married woman about two years ago at the gym where she used to come for fitness training. During this period, they became friends and later it turned into a personal relationship.

Before taking the extreme step, he allegedly made a video call to the woman and told her about his decision, police said.

Dileep's family has alleged that the woman had been blackmailing him for money and property. They said following their intimacy, the issue had earlier reached the police and was settled mutually in the presence of the woman's husband, but the harassment allegedly continued.

Family members have demanded strict action, alleging that harassment led to the man's death.

The matter is being investigated by Nelamangala Town police which is looking into all the allegations, officials said.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Chennai (PTI): VCK MLA Vanni Arasu on Wednesday urged the newly formed Tamil Nadu government to enact a stringent law against superstitious practices, citing similar legislations in Karnataka and Maharashtra to curb exploitation in the name of black magic and rituals.

VCK, which won two seats in the 2026 Assembly election, has offered support to TVK to form a government during the floor test.

Speaking during the discussion on the confidence motion in the Assembly, Arasu highlighted that states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Rajasthan already have laws against witchcraft and sorcery.

"From 2013 in Maharashtra and 2020 in Karnataka, laws providing imprisonment for those who deceive through superstitious means have been in practice," he stated. The party noted that rationalist Narendra Dabholkar had fought for such a law in Maharashtra before being murdered by "Sanatana terrorists".

The VCK MLA further called on the government to prioritise scientific temper over beliefs in astrology and sorcery.

"Our government should give priority to projects that develop science without giving room for superstitions like astrology and black magic," Arasu said, citing Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which defines the development of scientific temper as a fundamental duty of every citizen.

The party demanded a special law to prevent honour killings as well, which Arasu claimed are rising in Tamil Nadu as they once did in North Indian states.

The government was also urged to enact legislation protecting the "200-point roster system" for SC/ST employee promotions, utilising powers under Article 16(4A) of the Constitution.

Highlighting the recent arrest of 40 Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, the VCK sought a permanent solution to protect them from such attacks.

The party called on the state government to take initiatives toward the "right of Eelam Tamils to rule themselves" and requested that the state officially observe May 18 as International Genocide Day.