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'Harassed' woman kills self in Malad

MUMBAI: A 50-year-old woman committed suicide at her Malad residence on Tuesday as a 'friend' was allegedly harassing her.

Leela Gibson left behind a suicide note in which she blamed Harshi Mandal (40). Police said the two had personal problems and were involved in a financial dispute.

The Malad police have booked Mandal on charges of abetment of suicide under section 306 of the Indian Penal Code, and are looking out for him.

The police said that Leela stayed alone in a rented apartment at Kingston Classique building in Chincholi Bunder, while her daughter, Poonam (27), who is involved in the entertainment industry, has been living at Yari Road, Andheri (W) for four years.

Leela used to be a beautician and divorced two decades ago.

"Leela and her daughter were in regular touch. On Tuesday, Poonam tried to call up her mother many times but did not receive any response. Poonam visited her mother's flat at night. Poonam got worried when Leela failed to answer the door bell. She decided to inform us," a police official said.

Leela was found hanging from the ceiling fan after the cops, along with the fire brigade, broke down the apartment door around 11 pm.

She was taken to hospital, where doctors declared her dead. A suicide note was recovered from the house.

Leela and Mandal were very close to each other for five years and Mandal, who lived in Andheri with his wife, a teacher, would visit Leela frequently, the police said.

"A few days ago, Leela visited Mandal, and she fought with him and his wife," zonal deputy commissioner of police Mahesh Patil said. The Mandals had complained against Leela to the Oshiwara police, following which the cops summoned her for questioning.

Leela owned a flat at Seven Bungalows in Andheri (W) but it was sold off a few months ago with Mandal's help and she shifted to Malad.

"In her suicide note, Leela said Mandal pocketed the flat's sale proceeds. Whenever she demanded the money, he would refuse to part with it. Leela stated in the note that she was upset with his behaviour and held him solely responsible for her suicide," a senior official said.

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