Teen Relative of J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha Dies by Suicide in Kanpur, Leaves Note Mentioning ‘Spirits’
Kanpur: In a deeply tragic incident, 16-year-old Aarav Mishra, the grandnephew of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, was found dead by suicide at his residence in Kanpur’s Kohna area on Sunday evening. The death of the Class 11 student has shocked both the local community and political circles, as his suicide note cited “spiritual torment” as the cause.
According to police, Aarav was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his bedroom. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had left behind a handwritten note stating that he was being “haunted by spirits” that were allegedly pressuring him to harm either his family or himself.
Incident Occurred During Chhath Puja
At the time of the incident, Aarav’s parents — Alok and Divya Mishra — were in Bhagalpur to observe Chhath Puja, while his elder sister was attending college. Aarav had been at home with his grandmother.
Police said that when the grandmother went to call him for dinner, she found his room locked from inside. With the help of neighbours, the door was broken open, revealing the teenager hanging. Authorities were immediately alerted, and the body was sent for post-mortem examination.
Suicide Note Mentions ‘Haunting’
Kohna Station House Officer (SHO) Vinay Tiwari confirmed the recovery of a note from the scene.
“The note mentions harassment by what he described as ‘spirits’. The case is being treated as a suicide, and further investigation is underway to establish all possible circumstances,” Tiwari said.
Family members told police that Aarav had earlier confided in his sister, claiming he could see “unknown figures” who were urging him to harm himself or others. Believing it to be stress or imagination, the family reportedly did not seek medical assistance at the time.
Probe Into Possible External Influence
Investigators are now examining Aarav’s phone, laptop, and online activity to rule out any external influence or exposure to harmful online content. Police have also sought inputs from mental health experts to understand whether the boy might have been suffering from any psychological condition.
A senior official involved in the investigation said, “We are looking into every angle — from mental health issues to possible online triggers. Nothing is being ruled out at this stage.”
Family and Political Reactions
Aarav’s father, Alok Mishra, is a businessman based in Kanpur and the nephew of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Several senior BJP leaders and family acquaintances visited the Mishra residence on Monday to offer condolences.
The shocking nature of the incident has reignited conversations around adolescent mental health, stress, and the importance of early psychological intervention in cases of emotional distress.
