Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal
Bhopal, Dec 15: A businessman, Manoj Parmar, and his wife, Neha Parmar, ended their lives in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, alleging harassment by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and BJP leaders in a death note. The tragic incident has sparked widespread controversy and a political slugfest between the BJP and the Congress.
The death note reportedly appealed to Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Do not leave our children orphaned, take care of them." Congress leader Jitu Patwari alleged that this was not a suicide but a "government-sponsored murder." Former chief minister Kamal Nath also accused the BJP of targeting the family, recalling that Manoj’s children had presented a piggy bank to Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Family members allege that the couple was under extreme stress due to ED actions against them. Manoj’s younger brother, Kailash Parmar, a Congress leader, claimed that the ED raids on Manoj’s premises earlier this month had pushed the couple to the brink. "He was under mental stress due to the ED’s raid. He ended his life because he was harassed," Kailash said.
On December 5, ED officials had raided multiple locations linked to Manoj Parmar in Sehore and Indore, freezing a bank balance of Rs 3.5 lakh and seizing documents related to several movable and immovable assets. Manoj was also arrested in connection with an alleged Rs 6 crore fraud involving a nationalised bank.
The BJP escalated the controversy by releasing a purported video of Jitu Patwari speaking with the couple's son. Following this, the son blamed BJP state president and Khajuraho MP V D Sharma for his parents' deaths. However, BJP MLA Bhagwandas Sabnani accused Patwari of misleading the boy to implicate Sharma. He alleged, "The video clearly shows Patwari convincing the minor to blame V D Sharma. Congress is playing politics over this tragedy, which is condemnable." Sabnani demanded an apology from Patwari, warning of protests and legal action if one was not forthcoming.
Former chief minister Digvijaya Singh blamed the ED for the deaths, stating that the couple faced unnecessary harassment. Meanwhile, police confirmed recovering a suicide note from the couple's residence but are yet to disclose its contents. An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Rahul Gandhi, expressing condolences, spoke with the couple’s three children to provide comfort. The incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing political battle in Madhya Pradesh, drawing attention to the alleged misuse of central investigative agencies and raising concerns about the mental health impact of such actions.
Suicide is not a solution to any problem. Kindly seek the help of mental health experts if you are under any kind of distress. Call toll free helpline number 9152987821.