Bengaluru Suicide: Job Loss, Family Pressure And Depression Behind Couple's Tragic Death

A young couple in Bengaluru died within minutes of each other after the husband, a jobless software engineer battling depression, died by suicide. His wife, unable to cope, jumped from their building soon after. The couple had kept their interfaith marriage secret due to family pressure. 

New details have emerged in the shocking Bengaluru suicide case from Kothanur, where a young couple died within minutes of each other on March 30. Investigations suggest they were struggling with career setbacks and family pressure. Bhanu Chander Reddy, a software engineer, was found hanging in his apartment. Soon after discovering his body, his wife Shazia went to the 17th floor of the building and jumped to her death.

Career struggles and job loss

According to police sources, Reddy had earlier worked in the United States with an annual salary of around ₹1 crore. However, he lost his job when his company made major changes due to the rise of artificial intelligence.

He remained unemployed for nearly a year despite trying to find work. Changes in US policies also made it harder for him to secure another job there, according to a report by India Today.

Reddy later moved to Canada but could not find employment. He eventually returned to India.

Life in Bengaluru and mental health issues

After returning, the couple tried to restart their lives. Shazia, who had been working in Hyderabad, left her job and later joined IBM. They moved to Bengaluru and appeared to be settling down.

However, police said Reddy was suffering from depression and was under medication. Investigators believe his mental health condition may have played a role in his decision.

Relationship hidden from families

The couple had known each other since childhood and later got into a relationship. They eventually married but kept it secret due to fear of family reactions, as it was an interfaith marriage.

When Reddy told his mother about the marriage, she stopped speaking to him. This deeply affected him and increased the distance between him and his family.

Shazia also did not tell her family about the marriage. Her father is said to be influential, which made her more anxious about revealing the truth.

Final moments before the incident

On the day of the incident, Shazia discovered her husband’s body and informed the authorities.

Before taking the extreme step, she tried calling her mother twice, but there was no response. She then sent messages asking for forgiveness and revealing that she had married without informing them.

Her mother, who is not very literate, could not fully understand the messages and did not alert others.

Suicide note and emotional aftermath

Police said Reddy left behind a suicide note. In it, he expressed regret for causing trouble and said he could not fulfil his responsibilities towards his wife.

He also wrote that he felt sad about not being able to introduce her openly to his family.

The news of the deaths came as a shock to both families when police informed them.

Both bodies were taken for last rites in the same ambulance. Initially, some family members objected to this, but they later agreed. They were reportedly convinced after someone said that the couple could not be together in life, so they should be allowed to stay together in death.