Aaj Tak Journalist Aakashdeep Shukla commits suicide amid alleged mental trauma, threats
In a tragic turn of events, Aakashdeep Shukla, a journalist associated with Aaj Tak, was reported to have died by suicide on Monday.
The journalist allegedly faced considerable mental distress due to what has been described as "constant threats of criminal cases" from his wife and her parents. This disturbing revelation was brought to light by journalist and filmmaker Deepika Bhardwaj.
Based in Delhi, Aakashdeep Shukla reportedly took his own life by hanging himself at his residence in the city. Deepika Bhardwaj took to X (formerly Twitter) to convey the unfortunate news, stating that Shukla "killed himself today." According to Bhardwaj's tweet, she had conversed with Shukla, who held the position of an assistant editor with Aaj Tak since 2021, on the previous day.
Bhardwaj asserted that Shukla had been enduring mental turmoil due to alleged mistreatment by his wife and her parents. She further alleged that Shukla's court marriage had occurred under pressure and that he had been subjected to continuous threats of legal action.
During their Sunday conversation, Bhardwaj indicated that she assured Shukla they would find a resolution to the situation. Tragically, it appears that the senior journalist took his own life despite this reassurance.
"I spoke to @JournoAakash for 20 mins y'day. He told me about the mental trauma he's facing because of his wife & her parents. He was under constant threats of criminal cases. His court marriage was also done under pressure. I told him we will sort it. BUT HE KILLED HIMSELF TODAY," Bhardwaj conveyed in her tweet.
A close friend of Shukla, Jagrati Shukla, informed the Free Press Journal that the journalist had been under "a lot of stress due to his personal life." According to Jagrati, Shukla and his wife engaged in a heated argument on Monday morning, witnessed by another friend. Following the argument, he allegedly secluded himself in his room and took his own life.
In a subsequent tweet, Deepika Bhardwaj disclosed details of the events leading up to Shukla's alleged suicide, including allegations of physical assault. Shukla apparently confided in Bhardwaj that his wife had tarnished his reputation on social media by using derogatory language.
"Akash shared that the woman he got married to had sullied his image by calling him names on social media. He couldn't afford to lose his career so he compromised & did court marriage. Now his father-in-law was pressurising him to do a social function, spend lacs when he didn't have that kind of money," Bhardwaj's tweet outlined. "He was in deep stress clearly & was worried for his parents. He also felt he was the one who had brought this problem on to them. There's so much more he shared. He was physically assaulted too when they had fights. I am unable to comprehend this." (SIC)
I spoke to @JournoAakash for 20 mins y'day. He told me about the mental trauma he's facing because of his wife & her parents. He was under constant threats of criminal cases. His court marriage was also done under pressure. I told him we will sort it. BUT HE KILLED HIMSELF TODAY pic.twitter.com/mBL26AIDHd
— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) August 14, 2023
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Davangere: Two policemen injured in stone pelting during Ganesha procession
Davangere: Reports state that two groups engaged in stone pelting at each other during Ganesha idol immersion ceremony in Davangere on Thursday. Two police personnel were injured in the incident.
Few days ago, two groups of youth engaged in verbal altercation regarding raising of a flag for Eid Milad celebration. On account of the clashes, police had heightened security for the Ganesha procession. Despite the additional security, stones were pelted at the procession, sources stated. Inspector Gururaj and constable Raghavendra were injured in the incident. The procession continued after the police brought the situation to control. However, the stone pelting resumed once again as the procession surged forwards.
Security has been tightened up in the area and all shops have been closed down by the police. The two police personnel, who were injured in the stone pelting, are undergoing treatment at a hospital.
