A 26-year-old man, identified as Praval Gupta, died after allegedly consuming a poisonous substance in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut on November 1, a day before his first wedding anniversary. Before his death, Praval recorded a video in which he blamed his wife, Sneha Gupta, and her family for what he described as physical assault, mental harassment and pressure to transfer property in her name.
Praval was the son of Rajiv Gupta, the BJP’s Kankarkhera mandal vice-president, and worked at a private company in Ghaziabad. He and Sneha had married on November 2 last year.
In the video, Praval said he was taking the extreme step because of his wife and her family. He alleged that Sneha physically assaulted him and his family members, pressured him to transfer property in her name and repeatedly insisted that he leave his parents’ home to live separately with her.
Praval’s Allegations Against Wife and In-Laws
Praval also made several allegations about his married life. He claimed that his wife deliberately served him burnt rotis and picked arguments when he complained about the food. According to his account, he eventually moved out of his parental home and began living separately with Sneha.
However, after the birth of their daughter, he wanted to return to his parents’ house. He alleged that Sneha opposed the decision, abused him and created disputes over his return.
Praval further claimed that when he called his mother to help care for Sneha and their newborn daughter, his wife physically assaulted his mother. He also alleged that despite handing over his entire salary to Sneha, she continued to mistreat his parents.
He accused her of misbehaving with his sister and questioning her character when she visited the house with their mother.
The 26-year-old also alleged that his father-in-law, Rajan Gupta, influenced Sneha to threaten him with multiple cases based on false accusations. He claimed that his in-laws had repeatedly warned him that they would implicate him in fabricated cases.
These allegations were made by Praval in his video and have not been independently established.
Couple Had Attended Counselling Before His Death
The couple had reportedly been facing marital disputes and were called for counselling at the Family Counselling Centre in the police lines on October 31. Praval said that during the proceedings, Sneha accused him of consuming alcohol or drugs, assaulting her and using abusive language.
He denied the allegations and, in turn, accused her of abusing and physically assaulting him.
On November 1, Praval allegedly consumed a poisonous substance in Meerut’s Cantonment area. Police reached the spot after receiving information, identified him and informed his family. He was initially admitted to Kailash Hospital and later referred to a higher medical facility after his condition deteriorated. However, he died during treatment at around 9.30 pm.
Parents Demand Strict Action
Praval’s death left his parents devastated. His father, Rajiv Gupta, said the tragedy was especially painful because he had taken his son’s wedding procession on the same date a year earlier. The family had celebrated the wedding the previous year, but now faced another procession following his death.
His mother, Kiran Gupta, also accused Sneha of repeatedly pressuring her son to move away from his parents. She alleged that when Praval tried to persuade his wife to return, she refused and told him to go ahead and die.
Kiran further claimed that her daughter-in-law avoided household responsibilities and spent hours talking on her phone behind a closed door. She demanded strict punishment for those responsible and said she wanted to raise her granddaughter.
Police Begin Investigation
Senior police officer Shiv Thakur said police received information on November 1 that a man had attempted suicide after consuming a substance in the Kankarkhera police station area. He was taken to a hospital, where he died during treatment.
Thakur confirmed that Praval had married around a year ago and that the couple had been experiencing marital differences. He also said they were undergoing counselling at the Family Counselling Centre.
“All aspects of the matter are being investigated. Further legal action will be taken in the case soon,” the officer said.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Praval’s death and the allegations made by both sides.
